As Manchester City fans displayed a banner urging Pep Guardiola to stay during their weekend fixture at the Etihad Stadium, few were aware that Txiki Begiristain, the club's director of football and Guardiola’s trusted ally, will be leaving the club at the end of the season. This unexpected development has thrown new uncertainty over Guardiola’s future at City, with his contract set to expire this summer and no word yet on whether he will renew.
Guardiola, who has led Manchester City to unprecedented success since his arrival in 2016, has repeatedly emphasized how crucial Begiristain’s presence has been to his decision to extend his contract in the past. On Tuesday, BBC Sport reported that Begiristain would depart the club after this campaign, leaving Guardiola without the man he has often credited for his smooth working environment and successful recruitment strategy.
Begiristain’s Impact on Guardiola’s City Era
Txiki Begiristain has been a central figure at Manchester City since 2012, playing a vital role in recruiting Guardiola, his former Barcelona colleague, to the club. Since their reunion, the duo has overseen a remarkable era of dominance for City, capturing 18 major trophies, including six Premier League titles and the club's first-ever Champions League triumph in 2023.
Guardiola has frequently expressed how much he values his working relationship with Begiristain. In 2021, he revealed that Begiristain’s presence was a key factor in his decision to extend his contract twice, stating, “One of the reasons I extended my contract two times is because Txiki is here... it’s a joy to work here with people like Txiki.” The departure of such a key figure in the club’s hierarchy could influence Guardiola’s decision to stay beyond the current season.
Uncertain Future: Guardiola in No Rush to Decide
While City fans are eager to see Guardiola remain, the manager has been noncommittal about his future. In July, Guardiola said he wanted to assess the club's progress and his own connection with the team before deciding on an extension. His approach reflects a cautious outlook on how the current season develops.
When asked about the banner from City fans asking him to stay, Guardiola gave a measured response, simply stating, "When it's going to happen, it's going to happen." His words suggest he is in no hurry to decide his next steps, and Begiristain’s impending departure might further complicate his decision.
The upcoming months will be crucial for both Manchester City and Guardiola. With Begiristain leaving, Guardiola will need to weigh whether he wants to continue at the club without his close collaborator, adding further intrigue to his already uncertain future.