- Pep Guardiola completes Man City exit
- Andy Robertson set to depart Liverpool
- Takes time to praise rival manager
Andy Robertson has used his final on-pitch message at Anfield to pay tribute to Pep Guardiola and a number of players leaving their clubs.
Sunday was an emotional day for Manchester City supporters, with many in the stands seen wiping away tears.
There was not only one, but two guards of honour. Firstly for Bernardo Silva and then again when John Stones was substituted.
The pair were given a proper send-off after the match against Aston Villa, before Pep Guardiola was handed the microphone for one final speech.
There was barely a dry eye inside the Etihad Stadium, especially after a montage of Guardiola accompanied by Noel Gallagher’s rendition of Live Forever.
Andy Roberton sends message to Pep Guardiola
Over in Merseyside, there were also emotional scenes. Mohamed Salah is leaving Liverpool, and Andy Robertson is on his way to Tottenham Hotspur.
Robertson was given the microphone after a 1-1 draw with Brentford, and he used the moment to pay his respects to Man City’s departing duo, as well as Everton’s Seamus Coleman.
The Scotsman then turned his attention to Guardiola, who he praised for pushing Liverpool over the years.
@skysportsfootball Andy Robertson pays tribute to Pep Guardiola and Seamus Coleman following his final appearance for Liverpool ❤️ 💙 #liverpool #premierleague #mancity ♬ original sound – Sky Sports Football
He said: “Pep Guardiola pushed us to completely new limits, both of us [he and Salah] will agree with that.
“We should’ve won more Premier Leagues if it wasn’t for that man. What a servant to Manchester City, and I wish him all the best!”
Pep Guardiola has dominated the last decade
Football fanatics love a rivalry, and Jurgen Klopp was often portrayed as Guardiola’s biggest threat during his time at Man City.
In fairness, Guardiola himself has often spoken respectfully of Klopp. Only a few months ago he claimed the manager’s Liverpool team are the toughest he has faced.
However, Guardiola’s City team have won six of the past 10 Premier League Premier League titles, while Liverpool have only recorded two triumphs, one of which was under Arne Slot.
So Robertson is right to point out the impact Guardiola has had. Because while the Reds have been a highly competitive side over the years, City’s list of silverware is much longer.
What next for Man City?
With the Catalan manager’s time at City coming to an end, it should not be too long until his successor is announced.
Enzo Maresca is set to join the Citizens, as he looks to continue what has been the most successful stint by any boss at the club.
The Italian has considerably less experience than Guardiola possessed when he first arrived at the Etihad, but he did win trophies at Chelsea.
The pressure will be very much on right from the start, but the City players will do everything in their power to ensure Maresca is just as successful as his predecessor.
