Txiki Begiristain resignation puts focus on Pep’s Man City future as uncertainty begins to creep in the Man City administration.
Txiki Begiristain is poised to depart as Manchester City sporting director at the end of the season. This move now indirectly puts the spotlight on Pep Guardiola’s immediate Man City future.
After serving as Barcelona’s director of football for seven years until 2010, Begiristain joined City in October 2012. He spent two seasons working alongside Guardiola at the Catalan club. On his recommendation, the latter was appointed head coach in 2008.
Guardiola’s close friend and former teammate Begiristain was brought on by City in advance of the 53-year-old taking over as manager in the summer of 2016. His presence at City was crucial to Guardiola taking the position because he was the one who advocated that he should take over at Barça.
Guardiola’s main lieutenant, Begiristain, has been crucial to City’s 12-year success story since his arrival thanks to his skill in the transfer market. The two have daily breakfast discussions at the club to talk strategy.
Guardiola has nine years left at City when his contract ends in the summer of 2025. He has not yet decided whether to extend. Guardiola’s decision may be influenced by Begiristain’s departure. Even though it is anticipated that he will make it sometime in the winter.
Speaking on Friday about his future, Guardiola said: “What can I say? Thank you so much, I fell in love since the first day I arrived here, let’s see [what will happen] – look at how everything is going and how connected we are. When it’s going to happen, it’s going to happen.”