Khaldoon Reveals Guardiola Threatened to Resign '100 Times' Before Final Departure

Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak has disclosed that Pep Guardiola threatened to step down approximately "100 times" during his ten-year tenure, yet he recognized that this recent departure was genuine. While the 55-year-old manager has previously used the threat of quitting as a rhetorical device, Al Mubarak noted that on this occasion, the Spaniard "actually meant it."

Guardiola is concluding his era at the Etihad Stadium at the end of the current campaign, having overseen a remarkable period of dominance that yielded 17 major honors. His trophy cabinet includes six Premier League titles and a Champions League victory. Although his contract stipulated one additional year, Guardiola announced his decision in his final press conference, arguing that the club required "new energy" and a "new manager."

In a recent interview with the club’s internal media, Al Mubarak explained his decision not to resist the exit. "I knew it and that's why I didn't fight it," he stated. "Throughout these years, I've always fought it and always brought him back because I knew that was always the answer. But in this particular one, I think he knew - and I knew that he knew - and that is why it was the right thing for him and it was the natural thing."

Speculation regarding Guardiola’s future intensified in the weeks leading up to the announcement. Prior to the FA Cup final win against Chelsea last month, he dismissed the idea that the Wembley appearance would be his last, insisting he had "one more year [on his contract]." However, his lighthearted delivery and hasty departure from the media room sparked doubt among observers. The uncertainty persisted until May 19, when, following a draw with Bournemouth, he stated he needed to consult with Al Mubarak regarding his future for the upcoming season. The confirmation of his departure followed just three days later.

Al Mubarak described their relationship as deeply personal, noting, "He's more than just the manager of the club. To me, he's a friend. Over these years we have become close friends and I don't know if he will admit it, but I consider myself his psychiatrist."

The chairman admitted that conflict and fluctuation were inevitable over the decade. "Inevitably we have had a lot of ups and some downs and in the downs, he must have quit 100 times over these 10 years," Al Mubarak said. He referenced the fable of The Boy Who Cried Wolf, explaining that when Guardiola previously claimed he was leaving, it was a tactic that required careful management rather than literal interpretation. "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."

Since joining the club in 2016, Guardiola has extended his contract multiple times, most recently in November 2024, following previous renewals in May 2018, November 2020, and November 2022. Al Mubarak observed that Guardiola never envisioned staying beyond short-term horizons. "He never thought he would stay more than four years, then more than five years. So in his mind, even year four and five it was always 'OK, how much more time? How much more time?' And it always had to be done in the correct way."

As the club prepares for the next chapter, former assistant Enzo Maresca is viewed as the frontrunner to succeed Guardiola, with reports indicating that advanced discussions are underway with the former Chelsea manager. Addressing the transition, Al Mubarak urged fans to wait for the official announcement. "Just be patient with us. Very soon we will announce it and you will be comfortable that we have selected and brought in the best manager possible."

Source: BBC News Generated at: 2026-06-04 12:06:11 UTC