Pep Guardiola's big reason for leaving Manchester City is down to a key figure's exit

"Pep Guardiola is to leave Manchester City after 10 years. The Catalan wrapped up his 20th trophy of the decade when he lifted a third FA Cup at Wembley Stadium at the weekend, before reports filtered through last night that Guardiola had just two games remaining as Manchester City boss, starting against Bournemouth tonight."

"But while rumours have persisted all season that the 55-year-old ranked at no.5 in FourFourTwo's list of the greatest managers ever would wrap up his tenure at the Etihad Stadium a year earlier than his contract stated, this has been a decision that feels a long time in the making."

"Guardiola's Barcelona exit in 2012 came off the back of losing the La Liga title to Jose Mourinho's Real Madrid after all, with that four-year spell providing clues on the future direction that Guardiola would take. Guardiola was hugely successful in Spain, but his eventual split with Barca came after friction with his superiors, before a three-year spell with Bayern Munich ended in a similar way."

"Though some wondered if Pep would stay for a similar length of tenure in England, however, the club had been geared for his arrival: former Barca faces Ferran Soriano and Rodolfo Borrell were key to bringing Pep over and revamping the academy, respectively. Where Guardiola felt that friction at his previous two jobs, City was a club that had been mo"

Pep Guardiola is set to leave Manchester City after a decade in charge. He won his 20th trophy of the decade by lifting a third FA Cup at Wembley, and reports indicate he has only two matches remaining as manager, beginning with a game against Bournemouth. Rumors had circulated for much of the season that he might depart a year earlier than his contract required. The move could mark the first time he goes two consecutive seasons without winning the Premier League. Similar patterns appeared after his Barcelona exit in 2012 and his Bayern Munich spell, both ending amid friction. City’s leadership and academy revamp efforts helped prepare for his arrival, including key figures who helped bring him in and reshape development.

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