Although Jurgen Klopp once made light of the fact that he wanted Pep Guardiola to leave Manchester City, it is clear to see the seriousness behind the jest as the Catalan team battles for a sixth Premier League title in seven seasons.
During that time, Liverpool has been City’s most reliable rival, and in any other six-year span, they would have more than just one trophy in their collection. Even though Klopp has finished campaigns with 92, 97, and 99 points, he has only won the most with the latter total.
Last season, it was Arsenal who could not keep up as City won 12 straight Premier League games from February to May. Although Mikel Arteta’s team had one of their greatest campaigns in recent memory, it was insufficient.
Just over a year ago, Guardiola agreed to a two-year contract extension, while players like Klopp and Arteta were planning to take over in 2025. Although it had been long anticipated that City would require a new manager starting in the 2025–2026 campaign, optimism was revived on Monday.
When asked if he could remain on at City longer, Guardiola responded, “Well, absolutely, of course! But tomorrow, I can also depart. In football, a year is a long time. Arriving with my hair long, I take a look at what transpired.
“I would have cherished a team that finished with 100 points for all time. This occurs at every club.”
Guardiola is renowned for making snap decisions about leaving teams. After experiencing a particularly caustic struggle with Real Madrid under Jose Mourinho, he declared his departure from Barcelona in April.
Between now and 2025, he won’t reveal much, but even the most weary managers can find new life in their team when they have a youthful, fresh roster. At the Etihad, there are several initiatives, including ones involving Josko Gvardiol, Jeremy Doku, Julian Alvarez, and Ernst Haaland.
Guardiola has the best chance of taking home additional trophies with City. They have the resources to keep getting better and are the best team in Europe. He has superiors in Txiki Begiristain and Ferran Soriano who are willing to grant him his wishes and who are aware of them.
Even if Barcelona appeared to be the ideal setting, Guardiola chose to look for a new challenge elsewhere. There’s a good chance he will leave Manchester after nine seasons, in 2025.
That’s what Klopp and Arteta are going to hope he does.
