Pep Guardiola
Manchester City has confirmed that five significant members of their first-team setup will be leaving the club along with manager Pep Guardiola. After a decade of remarkable success, Guardiola is stepping down, and his departure will be accompanied by several of his trusted backroom staff. This includes Manel Estiarte, his right-hand man, and Lorenzo Buenaventura, the fitness coach, both of whom have been integral parts of his team throughout his tenure in Manchester. Goalkeeping coach Xabi Mancisidor, who joined the club during Manuel Pellegrini’s era, is also set to depart.
Pep Lijnders, Guardiola’s No.2, and assistant Kolo Toure are among those leaving, despite their relatively short time with the first team. Toure, promoted from the academy, and Lijnders, who arrived after managing RB Salzburg in 2024, played key roles in Guardiola’s staff this season. As the club prepares for a new chapter, Enzo Maresca is anticipated to bring his trusted backroom staff to the Etihad, pending confirmation of his appointment as the new manager. Guardiola has called on fans to exercise patience as the club transitions from one of its most memorable decades.
Pep Guardiola said: “They are stubborn, they know exactly what they want to do and they know perfectly that the opponents are so tough here and in Europe. We don’t take trophies for granted, we won finals against Arsenal and Chelsea – I wouldn’t say they are not good teams. We fought against a team like Aston Villa, who won the Europa League. Top teams. I would only like to say to the fans that every single step, don’t wait to win the Premier League or Champions League to be happy. Enjoy the process. I know all the players here will do it.”
Guardiola’s departure marks the end of an era filled with triumphs and challenges. Under his leadership, Manchester City has achieved significant success, including multiple Premier League titles and domestic cup victories. His influence extended beyond the pitch, shaping the club’s philosophy and approach to the game. The departure of key staff members underscores the magnitude of the transition the club is undergoing. As Guardiola steps down, the focus now shifts to Enzo Maresca, who is expected to usher in a new era at the Etihad. With a fresh managerial approach, City fans are encouraged to embrace the journey ahead, as Guardiola emphasized the importance of enjoying the process rather than solely focusing on silverware.
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