Pep Guardiola cracked a joke about fielding questions on facing Aston Villa as he entered the room. But after more than 1,100 press conferences in 10 years at Manchester City he knew this one was never going to be normal, requiring him to run through the past decade in half an hour. He has been building up to this for a while, the end nigh for weeks, the energy levels depleted and a break needed, especially from journalists.
Guardiola recently revealed that John Stones experienced great relief after announcing he would be leaving City and the manager was embracing the same feelings. There was plenty of emotion initially, Guardiola admitting his leaving speech to the players earlier in the day was “a disaster”. Finding the right words in these situations was never going to be easy. It does feel at times as if City is the club Guardiola built. “I like to think my vibe and energy will be there for ever,” he said.
Much had happened before Guardiola finally stepped into the media theatre in a black hoodie at 1.30pm. Confirmation of his exit arrived at 11.12am and less than an hour and a half later came the announcement that Guardiola was staying permanently, in the form of the newly expanded North Stand being named in his honour.
City’s chair, Khaldoon al-Mubarak, had told Guardiola that news on a whirlwind morning and Guardiola learned of his soon-to-be erected statue only when a journalist told him. He fears being covered in bird poo. The pose is yet to be confirmed, but arms outstretched could be top of the list.
Oasis were referenced in his composed leaving letter for the fans, because Guardiola is an honorary Mancunian. He talked emotionally of the 2017 Manchester Arena attacks, when his family were at the venue. The Catalan used (almost) the words of the Manchester poet Tony Walsh: “This is my place.” Few would question him. Manchester and Guardiola have been changed by their symbiotic relationship. The increase in tapas restaurants cannot be a coincidence and Stockport County would never have had such an esteemed visitor for a League One game. But as Guardiola said: “Nothing is eternal.”
The rainy days will not be missed, and no longer hearing questions over the charges City face will be a relief, but Guardiola knows it will be hard to be apart. The rest is needed. “This is the time,” he said. Tiredness does take over after such a relentless calendar stretching back to 2016. How can anyone cope for that long with the travel and demands of one of football’s most intense jobs?
The majority of back-and-forths with journalists this season have involved: “I still have a year remaining on my contract” or “Are you trying to get rid of me?” The denials kept everyone second-guessing, to some extent, but it has felt inevitable that his departure would come at the end of this season. Nothing was discussed about Enzo Maresca or what comes next for City. This was Pep’s day.
Guardiola was on form, enjoying his final pre-match audience, one hanging on every word, not wanting to miss a line. He extended an invitation to Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher to have a beer, something he will have plenty of time for. The friendship with the City fan Noel Gallagher arose once more, Guardiola recalling Gallagher telling him: “We were a team not able to win four games in a row; now we are going for four Premier Leagues in a row.” But only one of them will know about the Peter Swales era. Without City, the two may have never crossed paths, and Guardiola knows both parties are lucky.
Guardiola gave the impression he may become a hermit, seeking anonymity after a lifetime in the limelight. There has been very little stop since the 55-year-old started his playing career. He will retreat, desperate to play more golf in warmer climes, drink wine, see his children and ponder how long it will take for the England manager’s job to become available.
There was a round of applause at the culmination of a press conference elongated to fit in as many questions as possible. Guardiola was whisked away for his rights-holder duties but he booked in drinks with the media, a chance to share their appreciation for one another. Wine and charcuterie were offered, some people received hugs, everyone got at least a handshake and Guardiola offered criticism of the British rail network. This journalist was told: “You are the hardest one of all the people to understand. Not a word,” followed by a brief heartfelt impression. It’s good to know you’ve made an impact on someone who will go down in history.
Speeches were exchanged and Pep-branded caps given out to those with the largest heads. A photo was taken outside, Guardiola insisting it be taken on the pitch. He was at his most relaxed, speaking openly, no need to keep the guard up. Next week he will be on a beach, after turning down the offer of playing in the annual match between the media and City staff.
“It’s been the experience of my life,” was Guardiola’s first answer. Every City supporter – and plenty of journalists – will feel the same.
