Former Manchester City midfielder Dietmar Hamann has expressed skepticism about Pep Guardiola’s long-term future at the club, citing two key factors that could lead to his departure before the 2025/26 season.
Guardiola initially faced uncertainty at the start of the 2024/25 campaign as his contract neared expiration. However, a November 2024 announcement revealed a two-year extension through 2027, aimed at stabilizing the club amid the Premier League’s 115 financial fair play charges. Despite this, City’s on-field struggles—including elimination from the Premier League title race and Champions League—have persisted, prompting a January overhaul that saw the club become the winter window’s biggest spender.
Hamann questioned the sincerity of Guardiola’s contract extension, suggesting it was a temporary measure to address instability during the FFP crisis. He highlighted two primary issues:
Guardiola has been at City since 2016, working with executives he previously collaborated with at Barcelona. Hamann noted their close ties could facilitate a mutual exit if Guardiola desires change. The pundit further observed Guardiola’s visible fatigue this season, doubting his capacity to reignite the team’s competitive fire amid Premier League pressures. He proposed Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler as a potential successor, praising his tactical adaptability despite recent inconsistencies. He emphasized that replicating Guardiola’s success would be “almost impossible” for any incoming manager.
While Hamann’s analysis aligns with reports of Guardiola’s pre-2025 exit plans, recent developments suggest internal confidence in his commitment. ESPN highlighted City’s optimism about their young core and summer rebuild plans, with Guardiola publicly endorsing the squad’s future. The BBC noted his November extension and resolve to navigate challenges, including the FFP case.
Guardiola’s legacy at City remains intertwined with the club’s legal battles and on-field trajectory. Despite contractual assurances, external observers continue to scrutinize his energy levels and long-term vision, leaving his future beyond 2025/26 unresolved.