Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is set to leave the club at the end of the season, according to widespread reports, in news that Gary Neville described as a “game-changer”.
Guardiola’s future at the Etihad Stadium has been the subject of significant speculation throughout the season, with many anticipating this campaign would be his last.
And that indeed appears to be the case, with an initial report by The Daily Mail revealing his imminent departure followed up by multiple outlets.
News of Guardiola’s imminent exit from the Premier League, which he has won six times in his career, emerged as Arsenal were beating Burnley 1-0 to move five points clear of City at the top.
Speaking in his role as a co-commentator for Sky Sports, Neville said: “I’m very surprised that it’s broken right now, not neccesarily because it’s during this match, but because it is the night before a Manchester City game. Something like that is game-changer news.
“I remember being at school and hearing Dalglish leaving Liverpool, or Sir Alex Ferguson leaving Manchester United, or more recently Jurgen Klopp leaving Liverpool. They are such huge moments in football and this would be something similar.
“I just don’t see how it would be news Manchester City would get out or want out. If it is true they will be extremely disappointed it has broken right now, so will Pep Guardiola.”
City face Bournemouth on Tuesday in game that will see Arsenal crowned champions if Guardiola’s men fail to win.
Should City prevail, the title race will go to the final day of the Premier League season on Sunday, when Arsenal visit Crystal Palace and City host Aston Villa in what now looks set to be Guardiola’s farewell game.
If City win each of their final two games and Arsenal slip-up at Palace, then Guardiola could bow out with a seventh league title and a 21st trophy at the club. City added the FA Cup to their EFL Cup triumph over Arsenal in March by beating Chelsea 1-0 at Wembley on Saturday.