Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola will leave the club at the end of the season, according to widespread reports, in news Gary Neville described as a “game changer”.
Guardiola’s future at the Etihad Stadium has been the subject of significant speculation throughout the season, with many anticipating that this would be the last.
And indeed, that appears to be the case, according to an initial report from The daily mail revealing his imminent departure followed by multiple media.
News of Guardiola’s impending exit from the Premier League, which he has won six times in his career, emerged as Arsenal beat Burnley 1-0 to move five points clear of City at the top.
Speaking in his role as Sky Sports co-commentator, Neville said: “I’m very surprised it’s broken at the moment, not necessarily because it’s during this match, but because it’s the night before a Manchester City game. Something like that is game-changing news.”
“I remember being at school and hearing Dalglish leave Liverpool, or Sir Alex Ferguson leave Manchester United, or more recently Jurgen Klopp leave Liverpool. “They are such important moments in football and this would be something similar.
“I just don’t see how it would be news if Manchester City left or wanted to leave. If it’s true, they will be extremely disappointed because it has broken down right now, and so will Pep Guardiola.”
City face Bournemouth on Tuesday in a match in which Arsenal will be crowned champions if Guardiola’s men fail to win.
If City prevail, the title race will reach the final day of the Premier League season on Sunday, when Arsenal visit Crystal Palace and City host Aston Villa in what now appears to be Guardiola’s farewell match.
If City win each of their final two games and Arsenal fail at Palace, then Guardiola could walk away with a seventh league title and 21st trophy at the club. City added the FA Cup to their EFL Cup win over Arsenal in March by beating Chelsea 1-0 at Wembley on Saturday.
