It has now been almost a week since Pep Guardiola managed his final game for Manchester City. Guardiola led City to 20 trophies in ten years, firmly establishing City as a powerhouse of English and European football in the process.
As the Guardiola era ends at City, another is set to begin. However, it will take time to get used to life at Manchester City without Guardiola’s presence being front and center. City changing manager for the first time in a decade is a drastic change. It is an especially bigger change given how influential Guardiola has been at City.
Ten years that will live forever.
Thank you for everything, Pep 🩵 pic.twitter.com/eEFr8RPirx
— Manchester City (@ManCity) May 24, 2026
No manager can replace what Pep Guardiola brought to the table, whether that is tactically or as a person. Guardiola is the greatest manager of the modern era of football, if not of all time. His managerial record speaks for itself, as does his influence on football in England and beyond.
Manchester City are set to embark on a new era and journey without Pep Guardiola. That is both an exciting and nervous future to consider. Having said that, it will take time for life without Pep Guardiola to settle in for everyone associated with Manchester City.
It is difficult to ponder what Manchester City will look like under a new manager.
In a way, Manchester City became Pep Guardiola’s club. Guardiola molded City in his image. The club became relentless winners on the pitch. Off the pitch, City’s hierarchy had already been well established. With Guardiola at the club, the club has always steered in one direction.
This won’t change off the pitch. Manchester City are still, and will remain after Guardiola’s departure, one of the best-run clubs in football. The Txiki Begiristain to Hugo Viana handover was seamless. It is hoped that managerial change at City is just as smooth.
Enzo Maresca is widely considered to be Manchester City’s next manager. Maresca is familiar with the City and Pep Guardiola style. He will also bring his own flavor and nuances to it. That is exciting to ponder. Maresca did have success at Leicester City and Chelsea as manager. This sets him up well for success and continuity at City.
Also, players will arrive and leave Manchester City this summer. That is always exciting. Once the upcoming summer transfer window closes, the next iteration of Manchester City will be staring us in the face. A new manager and new players will be ready to go. However, one factor of it all hasn’t sunk in properly yet.
Pep Guardiola won’t be there as Manchester City manager next season. Yes, that has been known for well over a week now. However it may not properly sink in until Guardiola’s replacement is officially announced for the new reality to sink in at the FA Cup and Carabao Cup holders.
Manchester City is entering a new era, one without Pep Guardiola involved. That fact will take time to adjust to. There is also nothing wrong with that occurring, given that Guardiola has given City fans the ride of their lives for the past decade.