Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has opened up about the impending departure of sporting director Txiki Begiristain, acknowledging that a part of him will leave the club alongside Begiristain next summer. While Guardiola has not yet made a decision about his own future, he has expressed interest in international football.
Begiristain, a close colleague of Guardiola’s at both City and Barcelona, will be retiring at the end of the season, coinciding with Guardiola’s contract coming to an end. Guardiola, who has led City to six Premier League titles and a Champions League victory during his tenure, is facing increasing speculation about his next move, especially after being linked with the England national team job before Thomas Tuchel’s appointment.
Speaking about Begiristain’s departure, Guardiola said, “Part of me is leaving, I would say… Personally, he will be missed a lot. He helped me a lot in my period in Barcelona and of course here.” Guardiola praised the structure of the club and expressed confidence in its ability to move forward despite the changes.
Guardiola has a history of allowing his contracts to run down before signing extensions, but with Begiristain’s replacement already announced and rumours swirling about his successor, uncertainty looms over his future at the club. Guardiola remained tight-lipped about his decision-making process, insisting that he would inform the public once he has made up his mind.
While Guardiola did not confirm reports of being approached for the England job, he did express his interest in managing at the international level, saying, “Yes,” when asked about the ambition. He reiterated that the club is not pressuring him to make a decision and that he would act promptly if he felt his indecision was affecting the team.
Looking ahead to City’s next game against Wolves, Guardiola acknowledged the challenge posed by the opposition and shared that Kevin De Bruyne and Nathan Ake are unlikely to feature due to ongoing injury recoveries. Guardiola’s focus remains on the upcoming match, with Wolves having impressed him despite their lower points tally.
As Guardiola navigates through this period of transition and speculation, City fans eagerly await news of his decision and the club’s plans for the future.