Pep Guardiola’s future at Man City is in doubt as his closest ally and long-time friend, Sporting Director Txiki Begiristain, is set to leave the club at the end of the 2024/25 season.
Guardiola shares a very close relationship with Begiristain, so his departure would heavily influence the future of The Citizens. Man City could face a major upheaval if they lose these two key figures in the next season.
Begiristain joined Man City in October 2012 after serving as Barcelona’s Sporting Director for seven years (2003-2010). He worked with Guardiola for two seasons at the Catalan club and notably played a significant role in recommending Pep as Barça’s head coach in 2008.
A former teammate and close friend of Guardiola from their time at Barcelona, Begiristain was brought to Man City to help facilitate Pep’s appointment as head coach. Guardiola eventually took charge of the club in the summer of 2016. Begiristain’s presence was key to convincing Pep to manage Man City.
With his sharp acumen in the transfer market, Begiristain has been instrumental in Man City’s success over the last 12 years, especially as Guardiola’s right-hand man. The duo’s bond was so strong that they would often have breakfast together at the club, discussing sporting strategy and recruitment matters.
Pep’s contract is set to expire next summer, and he has yet to decide whether to extend it. Man City’s leadership hopes that the Spanish manager will make a final decision sometime during the winter, ideally after the international break in November or before the January transfer window opens, so the club can plan for reinforcements.
One thing is certain: Begiristain’s departure will significantly impact Guardiola’s thoughts and ultimate decision. In 2016, Pep once said that if Begiristain worked for Chelsea, he would personally apply for the head coach role at Stamford Bridge. Begiristain has been crucial in shaping Man City under Guardiola, bringing in iconic players such as Kevin De Bruyne, Kyle Walker, Bernardo Silva, Rodri, and Ederson.
Speaking about his future last weekend, Pep remained non-committal on a contract renewal with the reigning Premier League champions: “What can I say? Thank you so much. I fell in love from day one. Let’s see what happens. Let’s see how things are going and how we connect together. When it happens, it happens,” Pep said.
There have been many credible reports suggesting that Pep will leave Man City next summer, but the Spanish manager has yet to confirm anything. It’s hard to imagine what Man City would look like without Pep on the bench. The Citizens would certainly face a major upheaval without these two critical minds driving the club forward.