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Why did Pep Guardiola leave Man City? Premier League icon's decision explained

Manchester City go into this weekend's Community Shield without Pep Guardiola in the dugout after the long-serving manager moved on

[Pep Guardiola in May 2026]

Pep Guardiola left Manchester City at the end of last season(Image: Getty Images)

Here's everything you need to know about why Pep Guardiola left Manchester City:

1. Pep Guardiola's exit confirmation: Pep Guardiola confirmed in May that he would leave Manchester City at the end of the 2025/26 season. His final match ended in a 2-1 defeat against Aston Villa at the Etihad Stadium on May 24.
2. A decade of success: It brought to an end a decade full of trophies for the Catalan boss. He led City to six Premier League titles, three FA Cups, five League Cups and one Champions League, as well as a selection of other silverware.
3. No single reason for leaving: "Dont ask me the reasons Im leaving. There is no reason, but deep inside, I know its my time," the manager said. "Nothing is eternal, if it was, I would be here. Eternal will be the feeling, the people, the memories, the love I have for my Manchester City."
4. A break from coaching: Guardiola still had a year left on his contract but an agreement was reached for him to step away early. However, he agreed to remain a Global Ambassador for City Football Group - a role which the club said "will see him giving technical advice to the clubs in the group, working on specific projects and collaborations".
5. International interest: The Italian FA made efforts to talk Guardiola into a managerial return with their country's national team. However, he opted against an immediate return to the dugout.
6. Replacement appointed: Italian manager Enzo Maresca was appointed as Guardiola's successor at the end of June. The former Chelsea boss spent time in charge of City's Elite Development Squad before flying the nest, with future England internationals Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers among the players at his disposal.

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Arsenal and Manchester City will meet once again on Sunday, August 16, when the Premier League champions play the FA Cup winners in the FA Community Shield. Fans can watch the game live on TNT Sports via HBO Max or Prime Video's HBO Max channel.