Is Pep Guardiola leaving Manchester City? Leaked Etihad stadium video sparks viral speculation
A mysterious clip from inside the Etihad had fans debating Guardiola’s future, but one key detail pointed in another direction.
After 10 years at the helm, Pep Guardiola’s time at Manchester City will surely be coming to an end sometime soon. On Thursday, a leaked video from inside the Etihad Stadium fueled speculation that an announcement of the head coach’s departure could be imminent, although it appears that is not the case.
The clip, shot by an unknown source from the top tier of City’s home stadium, showed what looked to be 18 trophies on individual plinths laid out in the center circle. On social media, many fans believed City were preparing a farewell video for Guardiola, who has long been linked with a move away from the club this summer, despite having a contract until June 2027.
A key detail changes Guardiola narrative
Although they were not too far off the mark, there was one big giveaway that the scene was not being set for the former Barcelona manager.
Since joining the club in the summer of 2016, Guardiola has won 19 trophies, one more than those on display.
However, Bernardo Silva, whose City departure has already been confirmed, has lifted 18 trophies during his time in Manchester, which began the following year. The Portuguese midfielder has the exact same honors list with City as his manager, with the exception of the 2023 UEFA Super Cup, which he was not involved in.
Reporter suggests Bernardo Silva farewell
Journalist Ben Jacobs of Give Me Sport voiced his belief that the leaked video was indeed related to Bernardo Silva’s, rather than Guardiola’s departure, posting: “Understand this specific video is part of Bernardo Silva’s farewell after nine years and 18 trophies at the club,” on X.
But Jacobs did not close the door to Guardiola leaving City later in the summer, despite his contract situation. “Regarding Pep Guardiola. There remains a possibility he departs this summer even though Manchester City point to his contract expiring in summer 2027. However, the leaked video is Silva related.”
City chase another treble
If Guardiola does leave this year, he could still add another two trophies to his tally. City are still in with a chance of clinching another Premier League title, although they are two points behind leaders Arsenal with two games to play. An FA Cup victory appears more realistic, with Chelsea standing in the way in Saturday’s final.
If Manchester City win both competitions, they will complete a domestic treble after having already won the League Cup in March. They are the only club in the history of English soccer to have achieved that feat, doing so in 2018-19.
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