New Delhi: When football director Txiki Begiristain leaves the Premier League winners at the end of this season, Pep Guardiola stated that “part of me will leave” Manchester City. Hugo Viana of Sporting Lisbon has agreed to take Guardiola’s trusted advisor’s place after Begiristain recently revealed his intention to leave down.
After serving as Barcelona’s director of football from 2003 to 2010, the Spaniard joined City in 2012. Many people believe that Begiristain persuaded Guardiola, a former teammate from Barcelona, to take over as City manager in 2016.
This is what Pep Guardiola had to say
Pep Guardiola said that a part of him is leaving Manchester City. He further added that Begiristain is a very good friend of his and one of the architects of one of the best teams ever from Barcelona, and now here.
Pep further added that Txiki will be greatly missed by him as he was really helpful to him in both Manchester City as well as during his Barcelona days. He further claimed about City, that the club is really strong and well organized and they should continue the good work to make sure that it remains that way.
🚨 Pep on Txiki Begiristain’s #ManCity exit:
🗣️”A part of me is leaving. Personally he will be missed, but of course he will be missed a lot, for the confidence, the trust, especially in bad moments because he made me incredible balanced in my job because I’m so energetic. pic.twitter.com/hxrslsVtNO
— Mitchell (@BluDaBlue) October 18, 2024
Guardiola got his first management position at Barcelona thanks to Begiristain as the two were good friends while playing for the team in the 1990s. With Guardiola and Begiristain in charge, City have experienced a golden age where they have dominated England and have become one of the best clubs in the world. In addition to numerous other trophies, they have won six Premier League titles, including the last four consecutive ones, and the club’s first Champions League title.
Guardiola’s contract expires at the end of this season, so Begiristain’s departure will create more concerns about his future. The 53-year-old hinted last season that he might be nearing the end of his time in England, but he has yet to agree to an extension. If Guardiola decides to go, Viana is rumored to take highly regarded Sporting manager Ruben Amorim with him to City.
However, the Spaniard once more declined to discuss his future plans. “I have to decide. I don’t want to talk about it. I’ve said that many times, and hopefully all of you won’t ask me anymore,” he said.
