It is hard to see the key piece at Manchester City walking away given the progress that his team has made

David Ornstein reported for The Athletic earlier this season that ‘sources outside of Manchester City’ believed that the 2025/26 season could be Guardiola’s last season as City manager. But the more you see from Pep Guardiola and this new-look City side, the harder it is to picture Guardiola leaving his post when his team is so close to becoming what Guardiola wants his team to be. Pep Guardiola looks reinvigorated by how his Manchester City team is growing.

Every statement and action made by Pep Guardiola recently has been microanalyzed. People are looking for any semblance of a clue that may give an indication of Pep Guardiola’s intentions. However, that is no easy task given that Guardiola wears his heart on his sleeve on the touchline and is a master of playing the game in press conferences.

Having said that, I’m about to do the same. For me, what does ooze through is that Pep Guardiola seems reinvigorated and excited by what this Manchester City team could become. Speaking after Manchester City’s 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest at the Etihad at the beginning of March, Pep Guardiola had no doubt that his team will be better next season.

He said: “ We are not a complete team to compete to be a solid [team] – that is the reality. But we are in the process of many changes. I’m pretty sure next season will be better.