Man City Chairman Reveals Guardiola Tried to Quit ‘A Hundred Times’ Before Final Exit

Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak has revealed that legendary manager Pep Guardiola repeatedly considered leaving the club during his historic ten-year reign before eventually departing at the end of the 2025/26 season.

Guardiola brought an end to one of the most successful managerial eras in football history after failing to retain the Premier League title, which was won by Arsenal FC. Despite the disappointing end to his final campaign, the Spaniard left Manchester City as the most decorated manager in the club's history.

Speaking about Guardiola's tenure, Al Mubarak disclosed that discussions about the coach's future were a recurring theme throughout the decade.

“Inevitably, we have experienced many highs and lows, and during the lows, he must have threatened to quit a hundred times over these ten years,” Al Mubarak said.

Referencing the famous tale The Boy Who Cried Wolf, the City chairman suggested that Guardiola's comments about leaving often became part of the club's internal reality.

“In Pep's case, when he claims he is quitting, it does not necessarily indicate he is actually leaving. You cannot take it too seriously – he requires management.”

Al Mubarak also opened up about the close personal relationship he developed with Guardiola over the years, describing their bond as one that extended beyond football.

“He is more than just the manager of the club. To me, he is a friend. Over the years, we have forged a close friendship, and while he may not acknowledge it, I consider myself his psychiatrist.

“Throughout these years, I have consistently fought to retain him and have always brought him back because I recognised that was the solution.”

With Guardiola now gone, attention has shifted to the identity of his successor. However, Al Mubarak urged supporters to remain patient while the club finalizes its plans.

“Please be patient with us. We will announce the successor very soon, and you can be assured that we have selected and secured the best possible manager.”

The announcement has intensified speculation about who will inherit one of the most demanding jobs in world football and attempt to build on Guardiola's remarkable legacy.

Opinion: Guardiola's Departure Marks the End of an Era

Khaldoon Al Mubarak's comments offer a fascinating glimpse into the pressures that come with managing at the highest level.

Pep Guardiola is often viewed as a perfectionist, and his reported desire to leave on multiple occasions reflects the emotional intensity that has defined his career. Managing a club expected to win every competition year after year can take an enormous toll, even on the most successful coaches.

What stands out most from Al Mubarak's remarks is the level of trust that existed between chairman and manager. In modern football, where relationships between executives and coaches can quickly become strained, Manchester City benefited from a partnership built on mutual respect and shared ambition.

The bigger challenge now is what comes next.

Replacing Guardiola is arguably the toughest managerial succession in football. His influence extended far beyond tactics. He shaped the club's culture, recruitment strategy, playing style, and global reputation. Any successor will inevitably be compared to a man who transformed Manchester City into a dominant force in English and European football.

For supporters, Al Mubarak's confidence will be reassuring. Yet history has shown that replacing a legendary manager is rarely straightforward. Clubs such as Manchester United after Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsenal FC after Arsène Wenger learned that transitions can be difficult regardless of resources.

Guardiola leaves behind an extraordinary legacy. The next manager's task will not simply be to win trophies but to prove that Manchester City can remain at the summit of world football without the man who helped define its golden era.