Pep Guardiola, who will leave Manchester City at the end of the current season, shared his thoughts on what advice he would give to the manager who takes over the team after him. The Spanish coach has led the 'Citizens' for ten years, creating an entire era in the club's history.
The final match of the Premier League season against Aston Villa will be Guardiola's last game as Manchester City manager. Therefore, this fixture is becoming a symbol of farewell not only to the season but to the Pep era.
During his years at City, Guardiola transformed the team into one of the strongest systems in English and European football. Under his guidance, the club set new standards for ball possession, positional play, high pressing, and tactical adaptability. Now, a new manager must inherit this massive legacy.
According to the Spanish specialist, the manager who replaces him must first and foremost remain true to themselves. Pep advised the new coach not to imitate anyone, but to work with their own ideas, style, and character.
'A message to the new manager? Be yourself, I would say. A coach must be unique and original. The club will support him and his staff just as they supported me,' said Guardiola.
These words reveal Pep's philosophy on coaching. In his view, continuing an established system is not enough to succeed at a big club like Manchester City. The new manager must introduce their own vision, convince the players of their ideas, and adapt the team to their own style.
Of course, managing City after Guardiola will not be an easy task, as Pep is leaving behind a very high bar. During his tenure, the team not only won many trophies but was also recognized worldwide for its style of play. The new manager will be expected to maintain this level, or perhaps even develop it further.
According to the latest reports, Enzo Maresca is expected to take charge of Manchester City after Guardiola. Maresca is considered a specialist close to Pep's school of football. He understands the game based on positional play, ball possession, and tactical discipline well.
At the same time, Guardiola's advice applies directly to Maresca: he should not try to be the 'new Pep', but rather find his own path. Because at a big club, a manager's greatest strength is their personal vision and the ability to win over the players.
In short, on the eve of his final days at Manchester City, Pep Guardiola gave his successor simple yet very important advice: be yourself. Pep is leaving, but the club is ready to support the incoming manager. A new chapter is opening at City — the question is who will write it and in what style?
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