Pep Guardiola has described his decade managing Manchester City as “fucking fun”, and suggested Saturday’s FA Cup final against Chelsea might not be the last time he leads the team out at Wembley.
While Guardiola’s contract expires in summer 2027, there is increasing expectation that he will depart the club in the close season. Saturday’s final will be City’s 24th cup appearance at the national stadium under the Spaniard, with Guardiola aiming to claim the 17th major trophy of his 10 years in charge.
It was put to Guardiola that this number of honours is the mark of his greatness. When answering, he referred to City’s two Community Shield victories and jokingly flexed his right biceps. “Yeah. Of course, 19 titles in 10 years is not bad,” he said. Guardiola was then asked if his success at City is taken for granted by some people. “They don’t need to wait when I’m leaving, they know I’ve been fun. I’ve been fucking fun. So, 19 titles, fighting for 20 in 10 years, it’s not bad, honestly.”
Guardiola was asked if the visit to Wembley will be tinged with sadness given it could be a last there if he indeed leaves next month. “No way. No way. I have a one year [left on my] contract,” he said. “I’m so disappointed that they don’t make a stand for Pep [at Wembley], the number of times I’ve been there – at least a lounge or a box. Maybe I go 24 more times.
“It’s been a special place, with Barcelona in 1992 [winning the European Cup as a player] and after against Manchester United with Barcelona [winning the Champions League as head coach in 2011] for the second time and many times since I am here with semi-finals and finals. It’s really good to go to Wembley again. Top.”
Rodri faces a late fitness test to face Chelsea on Saturday.