Khaldoon Al Mubarak Reveals Pep Guardiola's 100 Quit Threats Amid Departure
Pep Guardiola has threatened to quit Manchester City "100 times" during his ten-year tenure, but chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak acknowledged that this time he knew the Spaniard was serious about stepping down. At the conclusion of this season, Guardiola, 55, departs after securing 17 major trophies, including six Premier League titles and a Champions League victory. Despite having one year left on his contract, he expressed the need for a "new manager" and "new energy" in his last news conference. In his annual interview, Khaldoon shared his insights: He recognized the impending reality of Guardiola's exit, stating, "I knew it and that's why I didn't fight it." Reflecting on past instances, he noted, "Throughout these years, I've always fought it and always brought him back." However, he felt this time it was the right and natural decision for Guardiola. Before the FA Cup final against Chelsea, Guardiola was questioned about his future at Wembley Stadium and playfully dismissed the idea of leaving, despite his quick exit from the room raising eyebrows. Following a draw against Bournemouth on May 19, Guardiola indicated he needed to discuss his future with Khaldoon, leading to the confirmation of his departure three days later. Khaldoon emphasized their close bond, stating, "He's more than just the manager of the club. To me, he's a friend." Guardiola joined Manchester City in 2016, extending his contract multiple times, and Khaldoon remarked on Guardiola's initial expectations, noting, "He never thought he would stay more than four years." He concluded that there would come a moment when Guardiola's departure would be real.
Source: BBC Sport - 2026-06-04