Pep Guardiola has said Manchester City need “new energy” in his farewell speech to the club and supporters. Guardiola will play his final in charge against Aston Villa at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
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The 55-year-old’s exit was confirmed three days after City were beaten to the 2025-26 Premier League title by Arsenal. City played a 1-1 draw with Bournemouth, a result that saw the Gunners win the 2025/25 Premier League for the first time in 22 years.
Speaking during his final pre-match press conference on Friday, the former Bayern Munich and Barcelona tactician said: “Ten years is a lot of time and I think the club needs a new manager, new energy, these incredible players we have right now and start to write another chapter.
“I feel I would not have the energy [in the future] required to daily, every three days, to fight for the title, being in front of the players.
“After 10 years, it is good to shake, to move, different faces – it’s really good for everyone.
“If I did not believe that, if they don’t sack me, I would stay here. But I think it is the perfect moment, perfect time.”
Guardiola also added that nothing was eternal but his love for City would always remain. The Spanish football maestro spent 10 years at the club where he won a total of 20 trophies. They include six Premier Leagues, one Champions League, three FA Cups, five League Cups and a Fifa Club World Cup.
In his speech, he confirmed he would be taking a break from coaching and begin a global ambassadorial role with the City Football Group (CFG) and offer technical advice to its member clubs.
City build statue in honor of Guardiola
Manchester City have confirmed that the club will rename the expanded North Stand at the Etihad Stadium the ‘The Pep Guardiola Stand’. City also revealed plans to commission a statue outside the stand for the departing manager following his historic spell with the club.
City’s announcement is a tribute to Guardiola, who transformed City as one of the most dominant in world’s club football during his 10 years at the Etihad. The stand will officially open for the first time during Guardiola’s final game in charge against Aston Villa on Sunday.
“Khaldoon [Al Mubarak] called me this morning to say that the club took that decision,” Guardiola said in his final pre-match press conference on Friday. “I have no words. I like the feeling that my vibe or my energy will be there forever. So I like that feeling.”
Club owner Sheikh Mansour also praised Guardiola’s influence on and off the pitch, crediting the 55-year-old for his legacy which stretches beyond trophies.
“I said a long time ago that Manchester City should have the very best people at its disposal, both on and off the field. For ten years Pep has been the personification of that ambition,” Mansour explained on the club’s official website. “He has made an indelible imprint on the DNA of the Club. One that is borne more from how he won than from the many trophies he lifted. He has the unending gratitude of myself and the entire City family, a family of which he will always be part.”
With the commissioned statue, Guardiola joins club legends Vincent Kompany, David Silva and Sergio Aguero in being permanently recognised around the Etihad Stadium.
