“Today we had to win. I am the one responsible, the coach and I was not good enough” - Pep Guardiola shared after Man City's painful defeat to Man United.
Admitting he was “not good enough” was a shocking admission, but Pep remains unshakeable at the Etihad. Any other manager, from Chelsea’s Enzo Maresca to Ipswich Town’s Kieran McKenna, would have been met with a wave of criticism for making such statements.
Pep Guardiola is irreplaceable at Man City. That comes not just from his talent but also from the way he maintains a close relationship with the board. Like Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool, the Spaniard has the right to decide when it is time to leave.
Pep's approach to his future is similar to Klopp's at Liverpool. In 2022, the German tactician extended his contract until 2026. However, just a few months later, he suddenly announced that he would leave the team at the end of the season, despite having 2 years left on his contract. Liverpool's board did not object and respected this decision.
The same could happen with Pep Guardiola. When he leaves, it will be a personal decision, not bound by contract or pressure from the board. With his close relationship with chairman Khaldoon Al-Mubarak, Pep's departure will be a consensus, not a sudden or contradictory decision.
Pep’s current contract, which runs until 2027, is a strong message to the outside world. Despite being accused of 115 financial irregularities at Man City, the 53-year-old has vowed not to leave even if the club are relegated. However, this stability has not stopped him from expressing his frustration and frustration after a recent run of disappointing results.
Pep Guardiola faces pressure not only from outside but also from within the team. With a football philosophy that requires players to give their all, exhaustion not only happens to him but also to his students.
Take Sir Alex Ferguson as an example, the legendary Scottish strategist always knew how to rebuild the squad or change the coaching staff at the right time to maintain success throughout his time leading Man United. In contrast, Pep Guardiola delayed renewing the squad for too long. As a result, many players no longer had enough motivation or fitness to meet expectations.
The signs are clearer than ever as City desperately need a shake-up in the winter transfer window. Pep Guardiola is rarely demanding in transfers but now needs the necessary additions to change the dynamic of the team. Otherwise, his future could be in doubt despite his strong relationship with the board.
At present, not only Man City but Pep Guardiola is also facing the risk of “burnout” – a syndrome of exhaustion in the profession. The pressure of achievements and high expectations in the Premier League have eroded the energy of the Spanish strategist.
When Jurgen Klopp left Liverpool, Pep admitted that the rivalry had taken a toll on both of them. Burnout is not just a personal issue, it also affects the relationship between manager and player. A team can peak with a manager but at some point, a change is needed to reignite motivation.
Although there is no clear indication that Pep Guardiola wants to leave, Man City's poor run of results has raised questions. A team that has dominated the Premier League for years is increasingly in decline and Pep's future depends heavily on the team's upcoming transformation.
However, Pep Guardiola still insists he still has enough energy and desire to continue contributing to Man City. However, if The Citizens fail to meet his expectations in the upcoming transfer window, questions about the 53-year-old captain's future will become inevitable.
What is certain is that Pep Guardiola will not be sacked, because he has built an empire at Man City. Whatever the outcome, the Spaniard will have the final say, just like he did at Barcelona and Bayern Munich.
