Credit: Hasan Karim – Breaking Media / Imago
Sat 9 August 2025 20:12, UK
Pep Guardiola may not see out his final two years with Man City if current trends continue at the Etihad Stadium.
The Catalan went without silverware for the first time since his first season in England, having won a major trophy every campaign apart from 2016/17.
Ultimately, he was reshaping the squad, getting rid of deadwood, and bringing in the right calibre of player for his playing style, and the patience seems to have paid off, with 18 trophies under his belt.
Supporters see him as a member of the community, one of the club’s biggest fans, and that might be why he is ready to walk away if the Citizens experience another frustrating year under his reign.
Credit: Hasan Karim – Breaking MediaPep Guardiola pressuring himself to improve upon last season
In 2024/25, the team were fighting for Champions League qualification, while being knocked out of the European tournament and the EFL Cup at early stages, and Guardiola came under pressure from Man City fans.
In the end, his team finished third in the Premier League table, three points behind Mikel Arteta‘s Arsenal, qualified for the Champions League, and made it to the FA Cup final, although they lost to Crystal Palace.
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Moves have been made to improve the squad ahead of a new season, with deals done for Rayan Cherki, Rayan Ait-Nouri, Tijjani Reijnders, and James Trafford.
Business in the transfer window was going extremely well. Supporters were satisfied. But Man City have now been handed a double blow.
Pep Guardiola expected better from his team last season. (Credit: Imago)Mateo Kovacic and Rodri both out in Man City double blow
First, it was Rodri. It is unlikely that the Spaniard will be available until the first international window in September. Now, speaking to the media [The Times], Guardiola confirmed that Mateo Kovacic‘s injury could see him miss the first two months of the season.
The defensive midfield spot is, arguably, the most important part of the entire team, how it functions, and how City build their attack before giving the ball to the likes of Phil Foden, Erling Haaland, and Jeremy Doku.
Nico Gonzalez has failed to impress the manager since his £50million move from Porto in February [BBC Sport], and without a defining figure in the middle of the park, City’s plans can simply just fall apart.
Mateo Kovacic’s injury is more serious than first thought. (Credit: xConorxMolloyx)
Guardiola is too proud not to walk away when his tactics stop working. Of course, whenever he decides to finally cut ties, it will be hugely emotional, but it feels like it could all be getting too much for the 54-year-old.
He seemed close to his limit at times last term amid an unprecedented mid-season collapse without Rodri in place.
So with the same problem already presenting itself again concerns will be mounting in a big way for City fans.
Therefore, it all comes down to how the 2025/26 campaign unfolds, but without Rodri or Kovacic for the opening couple of months, supporters will have reason to worry over the future of the manager.
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