Was this Guardiola’s last chance?published at 10:19 GMT
10:19 GMT
Man City 1-2 Real Madrid (1-5 on agg)
Three Champions League titles is more than most managers could dream of and, since Guardiola’s first season as a manager, he has made it to the knockout stages of the competition more than anyone else.
But his future in Manchester remains uncertain with his current contract due to expire at the end of next season and there are suggestions he could call it a day at the end of this, his 10th season in charge.
Would Guardiola be content with his European record if it were not to be improved?
There is no doubt his side are in transition with 15 of the 23 players involved in the 2023 Champions League final no longer at the club.
A trophyless season last year – Guardiola’s first since his debut season in Manchester – was put down to injuries and new players settling in.
But a second-consecutive season without silverware would perhaps raise alarm bells.
City are still in the title race – they trail Arsenal by nine points but do have a game in hand and home fixture to come against the Gunners. They will also face their title rivals in Sunday’s Carabao Cup final and are through to the FA Cup last eight.
But Guardiola has often seemed to covet the Champions League above all else and there will likely be frustration that the competition has brought him more anguish than joy in the past 10 years.