Manchester City are set to honour Pep Guardiola by renaming their North Stand after him, with discussions reportedly already underway of this weekend’s final day of the season. Supporters have pushed for the tribute following the news that Guardiola will leave the club in the summer.
The Spaniard will oversee City’s final two Premier League matches against Bournemouth on Tuesday and Aston Villa on Sunday before departing the Etihad. The 55‑year‑old, who still has a year left on his contract, lifted the FA Cup on Saturday after a 1‑0 win over Chelsea at Wembley.
City remain in the title race, but must win both remaining fixtures and hope Arsenal drop points against Crystal Palace. Guardiola has delivered six Premier League titles, including an unprecedented four in a row, during his spell in charge.
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According to The Sun, City are in talks about naming the North Stand after Guardiola, with the redeveloped stand set to fully reopen on Sunday for the final‑day clash with Villa. Club legends including Sergio Aguero, Vincent Kompany, David Silva and Kevin De Bruyne have already been immortalised with statues outside the Etihad.
Guardiola, however, has insisted he doesn’t need any lasting tribute after securing his 20th trophy in 10 years. “I have no idea [about] that. They don’t have to do anything, honestly,” he said.
“The important thing in our lives is when you look back and say, ‘wow, you can look with a big smile and that is good’. And Bernardo [Silva] can feel that and John [Stones] can feel that. We spoke about that in last days and about [what] we lived.
“So when you are an old grandfather and you look back and you can laugh for the memories. That is the most important thing in life. Whatever happens in this part of the season and when I extend my contract three more years and after that I look back and say, how nice it has been.
“That is the most important thing, by far. I am pretty sure most people who live this time together, we can feel it.”
Guardiola’s achievements will then be marked at an open‑top bus parade through Manchester on Monday, alongside his players and the women’s and academy teams.
Former Leicester and Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca is the leading contender to succeed the Spaniard. He previously worked as one of Guardiola’s assistants during the 2022–23 season before taking charge at Leicester.
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Guardiola arrived at City in 2016 after four years at Barcelona and three at Bayern Munich. During his tenure, he delivered the club’s first and only Champions League crown and six Premier League titles along with three FA Cups, five League Cups and three Community Shields.
City must beat Bournemouth to take the title race to the final day and hope Arsenal fail to beat Palace at Selhurst Park on May 24.
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