GUARDIOLA CALLS FOR “NEW ENERGY” AT CITY AS HE DEPARTS.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has called for the need for a “new energy”
as he prepares to bring an end to his 10-year reign at the Etihad.

The Spaniard will take charge of his final match against Aston Villa F.C. on Sunday,
closing a decade in which he delivered 17 major trophies, including six Premier
League titles and a Champions League triumph.

“Ten years is a lot of time, and I think the club needs a new manager, new energy.”
Guardiola said. “After 10 years, it is good to shake, to move, different faces.”
He added, “I feel I would not have the energy required to fight every three days at
the level needed. It is the perfect moment.”

Guardiola is set to take a break from coaching after his exit, but will remain within the
City Football Group setup, taking up an ambassadorial and advisory role.

In recognition of his impact, City will rename the Etihad Stadium’s North Stand in his
honour and also commission a statue of the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich
boss outside the stadium.

Tributes have continued to pour in, with England manager Thomas Tuchel calling
him “one of the very best,” while Aston Villa boss Unai Emery described him as “the
best coach in the world.”

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick also hailed his decade-long dominance, saying
Guardiola remained “truly amazing” throughout his City tenure.

City owner Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan praised Guardiola’s “indelible
imprint on the DNA of the club,” as one of football’s most transformative eras comes
to a close.