Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak has disclosed that Pep Guardiola considered stepping down on numerous occasions during his decade-long reign at the club before eventually leaving at the end of the season.
Guardiola brought an end to a highly successful era at the Etihad Stadium, winning six Premier League titles and one UEFA Champions League trophy among numerous other honours during his 10 years in charge.
Reflecting on the Spaniard’s tenure, Khaldoon revealed that Guardiola’s intense passion and relentless pursuit of excellence often led him to contemplate resignation during challenging periods.
“Inevitably over these last 10 years we’ve had a lot of ups and some downs, and in the downs, he must have quit 100 times over these 10 years, just so you know, just for the record,” Khaldoon told Manchester City’s media channels on Thursday.
“There’s the story, as you all know, The Boy Who Cried Wolf. In the case of Pep, when he says ‘I quit’, it doesn’t mean he’s quitting. You don’t take it that seriously – you have to manage him.
“Whenever he quits or whenever he thinks it’s time, I will always convince him to come back, until the time where I know it’s actually the real time – and we reached that. I knew it and that’s why I didn’t fight it.”
Guardiola’s departure comes after a relatively difficult spell by City’s lofty standards. The club has now gone two seasons without winning the Premier League and finished seven points behind champions Arsenal this campaign, prompting suggestions that the team has passed its peak.
However, Khaldoon dismissed such claims, insisting Manchester City remain firmly focused on returning to the top.
“We are far from peaked. We are used to — because it’s in our DNA — winning. This is a club that is designed, built to win,” he said.
“Obviously, with the additions we’re going to make this summer, I am very confident. I think next year we’re going to come back very strong.”
Former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca is widely expected to succeed Guardiola. Maresca enjoyed success with Chelsea, winning the UEFA Conference League and FIFA Club World Cup, and previously served as Guardiola’s assistant during the 2022–23 season at Manchester City.
Speaking on the club’s succession plans, Khaldoon said the search process had been thorough and carefully managed.
“What I can say at the moment is we’ve gone through a very thoughtful and structured process and the team is convinced, I am convinced, that we will bring in the right manager for this club.
“Just be patient with us. Very soon we’ll announce it and you will be very comfortable that we have selected and brought in the best manager possible.”
