Pep Guardiola announced that he will not offer any recommendations to Manchester City regarding a successor.
He is set to depart following Sunday’s match against Aston Villa, marking the conclusion of his decade-long tenure at the Etihad Stadium.
The club’s leading candidate for the managerial position is Enzo Maresca, a former City assistant and Chelsea’s ex-boss.
However, Guardiola does not anticipate being consulted about any future appointments, emphasizing that he should not play a role in the search for the next head coach.
“You can’t just copy and paste in this job,” Guardiola stated.
“It’s essential to be unique and authentic; the new manager will bring their own identity. If it becomes a copy of someone else’s style, then it loses its essence. That’s the key to everything going well.”
As City gears up for a new managerial chapter, the club is still awaiting the outcome of its legal battle with the Premier League.
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Guardiola has staunchly defended his club since they were confronted with 115 charges alleging financial misconduct in February 2023.
He remains confident that the club will ultimately be exonerated.
“I believe in them,” he affirmed.
“I trust them! I’ve spoken with them and I have faith in their actions. What happened will reach a resolution, and I trust that.”
Guardiola revealed that after his final game, he intends to take some time to “rest” and recharge.
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As one of the most celebrated managers in club football, Guardiola has garnered attention for potential international roles in the future.
When asked if he would be open to an opportunity with England, he didn’t dismiss the idea but suggested he desires to take an extended break from football.
“I don’t have any fixed plans for my future other than to rest and reclaim the time I lost with my children as they were growing up, along with a host of unfinished personal tasks I want to accomplish,” he said.
“For the time being, I’m not thinking about anything football-related for the next little while. I need this time to rest and reflect. After that, we’ll see what comes next. My only plan is to take a break and indulge in some simple things I’ve missed out on in the past.”