Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak has disclosed that Pep Guardiola contemplated resigning on numerous occasions before his eventual departure at the conclusion of the current season. Guardiola stepped down after a glittering decade at the Etihad Stadium, during which he secured six Premier League titles and the Champions League.
Guardiola's Emotional Rollercoaster
While Guardiola enjoyed remarkable success with City, Khaldoon revealed that the emotional Spaniard frequently considered resigning during challenging periods of his tenure. "Inevitably over these last 10 years we've had a lot of ups and some downs, and in the downs, he must have quit 100 times over these 10 years, just so you know, just for the record," Khaldoon told City's media channels on Thursday.
He added: "There's the story, as you all know, of The Boy Who Cried Wolf. In the case of Pep, when he says 'I quit', it doesn't mean he's quitting. You don't take it that seriously - you have to manage him. Whenever he quits or whenever he thinks it's time, I will always convince him to come back, until the time where I know it's actually the real time - and we reached that. I knew it and that's why I didn't fight it."
Legacy of Success
Guardiola won 20 trophies with City, including the FA Cup and League Cup in his farewell season. However, the 55-year-old stepped down after admitting he no longer possessed the energy required to drive the club forward.
Addressing Criticism
City have gone two years without winning the Premier League and finished seven points behind champions Arsenal this term, prompting claims they are no longer the force they once were. Responding to the criticism, Khaldoon stated: "We are far from peaked. We are used to - because it's in our DNA - winning. This is a club that is designed, built to win. Obviously with the additions we're going to make this summer, I am very confident. I think next year we're going to come back very strong."
Succession Plan
Former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca is expected to be appointed as Guardiola's replacement shortly. Maresca won the UEFA Conference League and Club World Cup with Chelsea and spent the 2022-23 season working as Guardiola's assistant at City.
Asked about City's managerial succession plan, Khaldoon said: "What I can say at the moment is we've gone through a very thoughtful and structured process and the team is convinced, I am convinced, that we will bring in the right manager for this club. Just be patient with us. Very soon we'll announce it and you will be very comfortable that we have selected and brought in the best manager possible."
