I hope it’s not true – Patrick Vieira says Pep Guardiola would be ‘massive loss’
Former Manchester City midfielder Patrick Vieira is hoping reports that Pep Guardiola will leave the club in the coming days are “not true” as he said the Catalan will go down as one of the Premier League’s greatest.
Following weeks of speculation, Guardiola is expected to call time on his decade in charge of City after Sunday’s Premier League finale against Aston Villa.
The 55-year-old has won 17 major trophies – 20 including three Community Shields – in his 10 seasons at the club after lifting the FA Cup at the weekend.
Speaking on Sky Sports, Vieira said: “I hope it is not true, because since he’s been at City I think he’s up there with Sir Alex Ferguson as one of the greatest managers in the Premier League, and it will be a massive loss for Manchester City.”
City have declined to comment on reports, first published by the Daily Mail, that Guardiola’s time is up.
Guardiola still has a year remaining on his contract and City’s position on the matter has not changed throughout the season despite persistent speculation.
The reports have come while City still harbour hopes of challenging Arsenal for the Premier League title, although to do that they need to win at Bournemouth on Tuesday night and hope the Gunners drop points on the final day.
City and Guardiola have tried to keep a lid on speculation regarding Guardiola’s plans, but Jamie Carragher said he was not surprised it had leaked.
“I don’t suppose Manchester City or Pep Guardiola can do anything about the timing,” he said. “They have to let the club know. The next guy coming in, we hear it’s (Enzo) Maresca, he would have to have information about this. He would have staff he needs to speak to.
“The closer you get to the end of the season, there’s more people know and eventually it just comes out.”
Published: by Radio NewsHub