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Pep Guardiola has assured fans that he intends to return to the Etihad Stadium in some role in the future.
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The Catalan manager expressed a desire to be involved “behind-the-scenes” and is willing to support Enzo Maresca if necessary.
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Guardiola stated that he anticipates an invitation from Khaldoon Al Mubarak to watch matches together from Abu Dhabi.
Pep Guardiola, the former Manchester City manager, conveyed a heartfelt message to the club’s fans, emphasizing that he will someday return to the Etihad Stadium and that Manchester City holds a unique place in his life.
Pep Guardiola concluded his ten-year tenure at Manchester City at the end of the 2025-26 season, leaving as the most decorated manager in the club’s history, having secured six Premier League titles, two Champions League trophies, and a historic domestic Treble, fundamentally transforming the club’s identity both domestically and internationally.
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The Catalan’s departure marked a period of emotional reflection at the Etihad Stadium and among fans, who faced the reality of moving forward without the manager who was pivotal in shaping both the results and the entire identity of the club over the past decade.
According to Jamie Vardy, Manchester City is in the process of hiring a ‘clone’ to succeed Pep Guardiola.
Guardiola’s remarks during his interview with OKX will resonate with a fanbase still navigating the transition under Enzo Maresca. His commitment to return, in any capacity, provides a measure of reassurance and continuity following his departure.
His comments also reflect a genuine interest in the new phase at the Etihad Stadium, infused with the characteristic humor that fans have come to appreciate. The playful notion of watching games with chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak from Abu Dhabi stands out as one of the most entertaining moments from any interview this summer.
Guardiola: “Manchester City holds a special place in my heart”
In his discussion with OKX, Guardiola was candid and straightforward about his future intentions, making a promise that will linger in the minds of fans long after the interview fades from memory.
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“I will definitely be involved behind-the-scenes,” Guardiola stated. “When they need me, I’ll be there. Manchester City is something truly special to me. Eventually, I will be back at the Etihad Stadium. For the moment, I want to be behind-the-scenes. If the new manager needs to talk, that’s not a problem. But they must forge their own path.”
When asked if he would be watching the matches, Guardiola responded enthusiastically but added his signature humor: “Absolutely! Although, if I’m out on the golf course, I might finish my game first. But I’ll definitely watch the important matches!”
He also offered a glimpse into his relationship with Al Mubarak, which will surely bring joy to fans who have seen their bond develop throughout their time together: “I’m certain that if I’m in Abu Dhabi, Khaldoon will say, ‘Let’s watch together!’ I also want to see how the new manager gets criticized, just like I was over the past decade! I often joked about how Khaldoon would criticize me.”
This self-deprecating humor conceals heartfelt sentiments – Guardiola left not due to a diminishing love for the club, but because the time had come. He is now observing from afar with the same passion he brought to every match from the sidelines.
Pep Guardiola had originally anticipated an extended stay at Manchester City, aiming for more silverware.
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What do Guardiola’s comments mean for Manchester City’s future?
Guardiola’s commitment to being “behind-the-scenes” and available to assist Maresca if required is significant, indicating a continuity of relationship between the outgoing and incoming managers, a continuity the club aims to maintain throughout this transition – particularly as Maresca served under Guardiola during the Treble-winning season before shaping his own managerial identity at Leicester City and Chelsea.
The offer of support, albeit humorously hedged with references to golfing commitments and schedules in Abu Dhabi, confirms the strength of the bond between Guardiola and the club’s hierarchy. It indicates that director of football Hugo Viana and the executive team see Guardiola not just as a figure of the past but as an ongoing presence whose wisdom remains valuable.
For Maresca, navigating the inevitable comparisons with his predecessor will be a defining aspect of his tenure. Guardiola’s quip about looking forward to seeing the new manager face the same scrutiny he did carries the understanding that no manager at the Etihad escapes the intense expectations that have arisen from the club’s decade of success.
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Whether Guardiola’s return – in whatever behind-the-scenes capacity it eventually materializes – is imminent or years away remains uncertain. Nevertheless, the clarity and sincerity of his promise eliminate any doubts that Manchester City has not seen the last of the man who helped shape it into what it is today – and that he will fulfill his promise when the time is right.