In a recent turn of events, Manchester City’s sporting director, Txiki Begiristain, is expected to step down at the end of the current season. This development could have serious implications for Pep Guardiola as he considers his future with the club.
Begiristain has been with City since October 2012, having previously held the role of director of football at Barcelona for seven years until 2010. During his tenure at the Catalan club, he collaborated closely with Guardiola, who became head coach in 2008 largely on the strength of Begiristain’s endorsement.
As a former teammate and close friend of Guardiola, Begiristain was brought into Manchester City with the expectation that Guardiola would eventually take the managerial role, which he did in the summer of 2016. Since Begiristain played a crucial role in Guardiola’s appointment at Barcelona, his presence at City was instrumental in persuading Guardiola to accept the position.
Begiristain’s acumen in the transfer market has been vital to City’s triumphs over the past twelve years, making him a key ally for Guardiola. The two meet for breakfast daily, strategizing about the club’s future direction.
Guardiola’s current contract expires next summer, and while there are expectations that he will make a decision regarding his future in the winter, news of Begiristain’s departure might impact his considerations.
When recently asked about his plans, Guardiola remarked, “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.”
