The departure of Txiki Begiristain from Manchester City marks the end of an era at the club. As the man responsible for orchestrating some of the club’s most successful transfers and a key architect of their current dominance, his legacy is undeniable.
But as his retirement nears, a more pressing question looms: what does this mean for Pep Guardiola’s future?
The Long-Standing Partnership
Begiristain and Guardiola share a storied history that dates back to their time at FC Barcelona. When Begiristain joined Manchester City in 2012, it was clear that his primary mission was to lure Guardiola to the Premier League. The Spaniard finally arrived in 2016, and together, they transformed City into one of the most dominant forces in world football.
Begiristain was the man behind bringing in the likes of Kevin De Bruyne, Ilkay Gündoğan, Rodri, and many others who have been pivotal to Guardiola’s success. This longstanding partnership has been at the heart of City’s dominance, and their synergy has shaped the club’s recruitment, style of play, and overall philosophy.
What Begiristain’s Departure Could Mean for Guardiola
As Txiki prepares to step away, fans and pundits alike are speculating about the future of Guardiola. The two have worked closely for years, and Begiristain’s departure, coupled with Guardiola’s potential exit in 2025, raises questions about the continuity of City’s success.
For a few months, there has been talk that Guardiola would follow Begiristain out the door. The club, however, has reportedly been keen to change the manager’s mind, as they value his relentless pursuit of excellence and his unmatched tactical prowess. Guardiola himself has hinted at signing a new contract, fueling hope that he may stay beyond his expected departure. His current presence in Abu Dhabi, where City’s owners are based, has even stirred speculation that a contract extension might be on the horizon, though he is there for routine commercial matters.
While Begiristain appears set on retiring and focusing on his family, Guardiola’s future remains uncertain. City fans have made their feelings known, even unveiling a banner that read “Pep Guardiola volem que et quedis” (“we want you to stay,” in Catalan) during a recent match against Fulham. Guardiola’s emotional response to the fans’ gesture was heartwarming, but his words—“What’s going to happen is going to happen”—left supporters nervous about what lies ahead.
The 2025 Exit: Is It Likely?
At the end of last season, the general belief within the club was that both Guardiola and Begiristain would leave in 2025. With Begiristain’s exit now confirmed, it seems increasingly plausible that Guardiola might follow. Many of his coaching staff are also rumored to be considering a break, which would make it easier for the Spaniard to step away after nearly a decade of relentless pressure at the top of English football.
However, there’s an undeniable complexity to this potential transition. Begiristain’s departure will leave a gap in the management structure, but replacing Guardiola could be an even more daunting challenge. City’s chairman, Khaldoon Al Mubarak, has built a robust organization that has been carefully designed to weather such storms, but the departure of these two pivotal figures will inevitably lead to comparisons with Manchester United’s decline after Sir Alex Ferguson and David Gill both left in 2013.
Life After Pep and Txiki
The reality for Manchester City is that while their structure is strong, finding someone capable of replacing Pep Guardiola is no easy task. Guardiola’s tactics, man-management, and relentless drive have set him apart, and City’s sustained success has been largely built on his vision. Without him and Begiristain, there are concerns about how smoothly the club can maintain their upward trajectory.
The succession plan for the playing squad, however, appears solid. City have long prioritized having two strong candidates for each position, with an eye toward developing younger talent alongside established stars. The likes of Phil Foden, Rico Lewis, and Josko Gvardiol represent the future of the club, having been carefully integrated into the first team by Guardiola. Even with key players like Kevin De Bruyne and Kyle Walker approaching the twilight of their careers, City’s squad is well-placed to maintain their dominance in the coming years.
Yet, some gaps remain, particularly in the defensive midfield role. The club struggled to find an adequate backup for Rodri in the summer transfer window, which could have a significant impact on their title chances in the short term. While Begiristain’s meticulous planning has ensured that most positions are well-covered, the transition to a new director of football and potentially a new manager could disrupt the club’s careful balance.
A New Era on the Horizon?
As Begiristain steps away, Manchester City’s future will hinge on the decisions made in the coming months. While the club is in a strong position structurally, the departures of key figures like Begiristain and potentially Guardiola will mark the beginning of a new chapter.
Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak and CEO Ferran Soriano will no doubt be keen to keep City at the top of world football, but the task of finding replacements for such influential figures is monumental. The club’s success under Guardiola and Begiristain has been unprecedented, and replicating that success will be no small feat.
In the end, while Begiristain’s legacy is secure, Guardiola’s future remains uncertain. Fans and the club alike are left waiting, hoping that the next chapter of Manchester City’s story will be just as successful as the last.
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How old is Txiki Begiristain?
60
