Pep Guardiola is reportedly set to conclude his remarkable decade-long reign at Manchester City this summer, leaving behind an unparalleled legacy of 20 trophies.
His potential departure would mark the end of an era defined by tactical innovation, relentless success, and a profound transformation of the club’s identity, and here are his most memorable moments during his time in the City dugout.
Selling Joe Hart (Summer 2016)
From the outset, Guardiola demonstrated his uncompromising vision. In the summer of 2016, he controversially sidelined England’s number one goalkeeper, Joe Hart, deeming him unsuitable for his possession-based style.
This ruthless decision, initially questioned when replacement Claudio Bravo struggled, was ultimately vindicated by the arrival of Ederson, establishing a new cultural standard for the club.
Napoli statement (October-November 2017)
After a transitional first season, City announced their European ambitions with dominant Champions League victories over Maurizio Sarri’s highly-rated Napoli in October and November 2017.
Guardiola himself described Napoli as one of the best teams he had faced, yet City secured a 2-1 home win and a 4-2 triumph in Italy, gaining wider European credibility.
Decisive Derby (December 2017)
Domestically, a decisive 2-1 win against Manchester United at Old Trafford that December effectively sealed the title race, silencing early sceptics and moving City 11 points clear, a lead they never looked like giving away.
Centurions and record-breakers (April-May 2018)
The 2017-18 season culminated in City becoming the Premier League’s first ‘Centurions’ in April and May 2018.
Their first title under Guardiola was confirmed when West Brom beat United, sparking impromptu celebrations.
They quickly refocused, finishing with an astonishing 100 points, 32 wins, 106 goals, and a 19-point margin – all new records that underscored their unprecedented dominance.
Magic from Stones and Kompany (2018-19)
The following season, 2018-19, saw an enthralling title race against Liverpool, decided by the slimmest of margins.
Crucial interventions, such as John Stones’ 11mm goal-line clearance that preserved a 2-1 win over Jurgen Klopp’s Reds, and Vincent Kompany’s late thunderbolt against Leicester, proved pivotal in securing the title by a single point.
Watford rout (May 2019)
City’s supremacy was further cemented in May 2019 with a resounding 6-0 FA Cup final victory over Watford, completing English football’s first domestic treble and showcasing their overwhelming power.
Tactical reinvention (2020-21 & 2021-22)
Guardiola’s adaptability shone through in the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons.
Faced with striker challenges following Sergio Aguero’s injury and subsequent departure, he masterminded a tactical reinvention around a false nine.
This led to two more league titles, including a dramatic final-day comeback from 2-0 down against Aston Villa to pip Liverpool once again.
Reaching first Champions League final (2021)
After years of frustration, City finally reached their maiden Champions League final in 2021, sweeping aside Paris Saint-Germain 4-1 on aggregate.
Though they fell short in the final, it marked a significant breakthrough on the European stage.
Thrashing Real Madrid (2023)
The pinnacle arrived in 2023 with a stunning 4-0 demolition of Real Madrid in the semi-finals, arguably Guardiola’s finest City performance, which shattered a psychological barrier.
A brace from Bernardo Silva, followed by goals from Manuel Akanji and Julian Alvarez sealed a 5-1 aggregate win and booked City’s place in the Champions League final.
Kings of Europe (2023)
This paved the way for Rodri’s decisive goal against Inter Milan in Istanbul, securing the Champions League and an historic treble, removing any remaining doubts about his legacy.
Ortega save (2024)
Even in his final season, defining moments continued. Substitute goalkeeper Stefan Ortega produced a crucial late save to deny Son Heung-min in 2024, with City leading Tottenham 1-0.
This 86th-minute stop was instrumental in securing a record fourth consecutive league title, preventing Arsenal from taking the lead into the final day, before Erling Haaland sealed the victory.