Pep Guardiola has relished an excellent reign at Manchester City, establishing them as a top European team over the past decade. However, an Arsenal great is of the opinion that the ex-Barcelona manager is close to leaving the Cityzens.
So, what is the identity of the Arsenal icon, and what has he said about Guardiola’s future?
Paul Merson Believes Pep Guardiola Is Struggling Due to His Job
In his column for Sky Sports, Arsenal great Paul Merson shared his thoughts on Guardiola’s current mentality in light of Manchester City’s performances over the last year or so.
“Man City are not the Man City of old. They’re not the Man City we’ve seen that demolish teams. It’s not like that anymore. And I think it’s taken its toll on him. I think it’s a lot harder now. I think there’s a lot more. Before he used to coach the team, and then they go out, and they play. I think there’s a lot more to it now. It’s draining,” Merson wrote.
Merson, who made 423 overall appearances for Arsenal, also suggested Guardiola will leave Manchester City if the Etihad Stadium club fails to win the Premier League title this season.
“And when you’re the manager, he is, I’m only talking from afar, but his head reminds me of a washing machine. It’s always spinning. He’s always thinking of something. I don’t think he ever relaxes, and that takes its toll. And I think if they don’t win it this season, I think he’ll know that that’ll probably be an Arsenal to dominate for a while, and I think he’ll get out while he’s still ahead.”
READ MORE: Thierry Henry Sends Premier League Title Warning To Arsenal Boss
Manchester City, who have lifted six Premier League titles under the Spaniard, are on a six-match winning run now. They are in second spot in the Premier League table with 34 points from 16 games, just two points behind leaders Arsenal.
Premier League Boss Denies Links to Manchester City
Earlier this week, The Athletic claimed Manchester City’s leadership is aware that Guardiola could leave after the ongoing 2025-26 season. As a result, the club has identified Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca as a top candidate for their managerial post.
However, Maresca on Friday rubbished the recent speculations surrounding his future.
“It doesn’t affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation. And at this moment, there is no time for these kind of things. First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029 probably. And my focus, I said many times, is just about this club and I’m very proud to be here,” Maresca told reporters (via BBC).
Maresca, 45, has previously worked with Guardiola during his time as a first-team assistant coach at Manchester City in the 2022-23 season, helping the club win a European treble.
