Today we have to win. I am responsible, I am the coach and I am not good enough" - Pep Guardiola shared after Man City's painful defeat to Man United.
Admitting that he was not good enough was a shocking confession, but Pep still maintained his unshakable position at the Etihad. If another coach, from Chelsea's Enzo Maresca to Kieran McKenna at Ipswich Town, had made such statements, he would have received a wave of criticism.
Pep Guardiola has an irreplaceable position at Man City. That comes not only from his talent but also from his ingenuity in maintaining a close relationship with the board. Like Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool, the Spaniard has the right to decide when to leave.
Pep's approach to his future is similar to what Klopp did at Liverpool. In 2022, the German strategist 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 do not object to and respect this decision.
The same thing could happen to Pep Guardiola. When he leaves, it will be a personal decision, not bound by contracts or pressure from the board. With a close relationship with president Khaldoon Al-Mubarak, Pep's departure will be a consensus, not a sudden or conflictive decision.
Pep's current contract until 2027 is a strong message to the outside. Despite allegations related to Man City's 115 financial violations, the 53-year-old coach has pledged not to leave even if the team is relegated. However, this consistency has not stopped him from expressing his fatigue and disappointment after a series of recent disappointing results.
Pep Guardiola is facing pressure from outside but also from within the team. With a football philosophy that requires players to give their all, exhaustion not only happened to him but also to his students.
Taking Sir Alex Ferguson as an example, the legendary Scottish strategist always knows how to rebuild the squad or change the coaching team at the right time to maintain success throughout his time leading Man United. In contrast, Pep Guardiola has delayed the reorganization of the squad for too long. As a result, many players no longer have enough motivation or physical strength to meet expectations.
This sign is clearer than ever as Man City are in dire need of a revolution in this winter transfer window. Pep Guardiola rarely demands transfers but now needs the necessary additions to change the team's momentum. Otherwise, his future could be shaky despite his strong holdings with the board.
At the present time, not only Man City but Pep Guardiola also face the risk of "burnout" - syndrome of exhaustion in the profession. The pressure of achievements and great expectations in the Premier League have eroded the energy of the Spanish strategist.
When Jurgen Klopp left Liverpool, Pep admitted that this competition had a profound impact on both of them. Burnout is not only a personal issue but also affects the relationship between coaches and players. The team can reach a peak with a coach, but at some point, a change is needed to reignite the momentum.
Although there is currently no clear sign that Pep Guardiola wants to leave, Man City's series of poor results has raised questions. A team that has dominated the Premier League for many years is declining and Pep's future depends heavily on the team's upcoming transformation.
However, Pep Guardiola still insists he 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 over the 53-year-old's future will become inevitable.
One thing is for sure, Pep Guardiola will not be sacked, as he has built an empire at Man City. Regardless of the outcome, the Spanish coach will be the one to make the final decision, just like he did at Barcelona and Bayern Munich.
