- Pep Guardiola prepares for final Man City match
- Manager reflects on emotional Etihad farewell
- Names two players making the occasion ‘special’
Pep Guardiola’s final Manchester City match will be an occasion filled with emotion at the Etihad Stadium, as the curtain prepares to fall on an era that reshaped the club’s history.
The Catalan manager will take charge of the Sky Blues for the final time against Aston Villa today. The Villans visit the Etihad Stadium in the club’s last Premier League fixture of the campaign.
Guardiola announced his departure on Friday, bringing an end to a remarkable decade in Manchester after arriving from Bayern Munich in 2016.
Likewise, the Citizens have already confirmed that the newly constructed North Stand will be named The Pep Guardiola Stand.
Nevertheless, Guardiola has admitted that saying goodbye won’t be an easy task. During the pre-match press conference, the gaffer said he hopes to enjoy the occasion.
Pep Guardiola makes ‘special’ John Stones and Bernardo Silva admission
Likewise, the Catalan manager also admitted that sharing his final game with John Stones and Bernardo Silva will be special.
Guardiola went on to praise the duo, who he believes represent the club well and cherishes their time together at the Etihad.
“I guess it will not be easy. I have a lot of love, it won’t be easy to see my family there, and hopefully I can enjoy,” Guardiola said.
He added, “Another thing I enjoy is I can do it alongside John and Bernardo. It’s so special. What better two players to live alongside, many years on and off the pitch, they represent this club like true gentlemen.”
Stones and Bernardo sum up Guardiola’s Man City standards
Despite the trophies they’ve won together, Guardiola didn’t mention the duo’s achievements when discussing them.
Instead, the Catalan gaffer let their names do the talking, highlighting the trust between him and the Man City squad.
Both players have been dependable parts of Guardiola’s team, even if Bernardo has been more integral than Stones.
While Stones’ talent and contributions cannot be denied, his injury problems prevented him from having a career without hiccups at the Etihad.
Nevertheless, both players represent almost the end of an era for City as they make their leave alongside the gaffer.
Man City lose a decade-long synergy
Guardiola, Stones and Bernardo have shared almost the entire journey that turned Man City into a dominant side in European football.
Stones was one of Guardiola’s first signings following his arrival at the Etihad in 2016. Bernardo followed next year, who was signed from Monaco on a five-year contract.
The trio’s relationship was built through years of tactical changes, title races and high-pressure European nights.
With talented names still choosing Man City, building that level of understanding within the squad will take time again, just like it did for the trio.
