The ways Guardiola changed the gamepublished at 11:37 BST 22 May
11:37 BST 22 May
Umir Irfan Football tactics correspondent
Image source, Getty Images
When Pep Guardiola took the City job, one of his first decisions was to oust fan favourite Joe Hart and instead play Claudio Bravo, then Ederson.
Guardiola wanted a ball-playing goalkeeper - not common practice in the Premier League - and was criticised for it.
Ten years on, it would be more controversial to suggest a top-flight team doesn't need a No 1 who is comfortable with the ball at their feet.
By the early 2020s, most Premier League teams had replaced traditional shot-stoppers with impressive passers - with varying degrees of success.
At Manchester United, David de Gea was succeeded by Andre Onana. Aaron Ramsdale was replaced by David Raya at Arsenal, and Chelsea went from Edouard Mendy to Kepa Arrizabalaga to Robert Sanchez. The list goes on.
Tuchel names 2026 World Cup squadpublished at 10:17 BST 22 May
10:17 BST 22 May
Thomas Tuchel has named his 26-man squad to represent England at the 2026 World Cup hosted in Canada, Mexico and the United States:
Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford (Everton), Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), James Trafford (Manchester City)
Defenders: Reece James (Chelsea), Tino Livramento (Newcastle), Marc Guehi (Manchester City), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), John Stones (Manchester City), Jarrell Quansah (Bayer Leverkusen - loan), Nico O'Reilly (Manchester City), Dan Burn (Newcastle), Djed Spence (Tottenham)
Midfielders: Declan Rice (Arsenal), Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Jordan Henderson (Brentford), Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa), Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United), Eberechi Eze (Arsenal)
Forwards: Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Ivan Toney (Al-Ahli), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Noni Madueke (Arsenal), Marcus Rashford (Barcelona - loan), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle)
Alex Scott (Bournemouth), Rio Ngumoha (Liverpool), Josh King (Fulham) and Ethan Nwaneri (Arsenal) will also be part of the Three Lions' pre-tournament squad in Florida when they face New Zealand and Costa Rica.
The England boss added that one more player will also join his squad in Florida, but did not name the individual.
Tuchel said Bournemouth's Scott had an "outstanding" reaction to not being named in the 26-man squad.
"The commitment, the wish to be in pre-camp and just be a step closer to the team, was not even a question to him. This showed me his character and spirit. He gets a chance to take a step closer and to get a cap," added Tuchel.
Tuchel on his 26-man squad: "An exciting day for me and I think for everyone selected. From day one we were very clear that we were trying to build and select the best possible team, which is not necessarily to select and collect 26 of the most talented players. Teams win championships – it is as simple as that.
"What we're trying to achieve in the summer can only be achieved as a team. That in mind, we chose a very balanced squad. We chose three goalkeepers, plus Jason Steele (as training goalkeeper). I want to take the opportunity, and thank Jason for being brilliant, and thank Brighton for being so cooperative.
"We chose nine defenders for four positions, we chose seven midfielders for three positions, and we chose seven strikers for three positions.
"I can assure every fan in the country that we have 26 100% committed players with us. Who know their role, who are ready to buy into their role on and off the pitch and who are ready and committed to the idea of team spirit and being unselfish."
Gossip: Reijnders could leave Man City published at 07:38 BST 22 May
07:38 BST 22 May
Arsenaland Juventusare monitoring 27-year-old Manchester City midfielder Tijjani Reijnders, with the Netherlands international having limited playing time since his arrival last summer. (Teamtalk), external
Gossip: European heavyweights eye Man City's departing starspublished at 07:10 BST 21 May
07:10 BST 21 May
Bayern Munich are considering a shock move for defender John Stones when he leaves Manchester City at the end of the season. (Mail), external
Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid are weighing up a move for City midfielder Bernardo Silva on a free transfer. (Sky Sports), external
Finally, Pep Guardiola's impending exit from Manchester City opens the door for midfielder Rodri to join Real Madrid this summer. (Marca - in Spanish), external
Are fans walking into a 'routine end-of-season fixture' or a 'final curtain-call'?published at 16:06 BST 20 May
16:06 BST 20 May
Freddie Pye Fan writer
Image source, Getty Images
For a manager who meticulously controls every pass and phase of play, the mess surrounding Pep Guardiola's future is one that is difficult to witness.
After 10 years of tactical perfection and 20 trophies delivered, the 55-year-old has absolutely earned the right to exit the club on his own terms.
Instead, a seismic week of uncertainty has left Manchester City fans somewhat strung along and stuck in an emotional limbo.
The handling of the narrative by the club and some corners of mainstream media has been deeply disappointing.
To find out that a legendary manager's exit was reportedly leaked through conversations with club sponsors - and treated as a commercial administrative footnote - is a bitter pill to swallow.
Worse still was the timing of what turned out to be a press onslaught.
Bombarding newspapers, television screens and social media apps with 'definitive' exit reports and Enzo Maresca succession claims, just 24 hours before a must-win match at Bournemouth, may have derailed the squad's focus and perhaps contributed to a rather flat showing that ultimately handed Arsenal the Premier League title on Tuesday night.
One of the greatest managers of all time was completely stripped of his right to dictate his own journey, and to announce his direction of travel when the time was right for him.
Yet, Guardiola's own reaction has only heightened the anxiety.
By continually deflecting and using his post-match media duties to insist: "Let me talk with my chairman!", he keeps a dramatic U-turn technically on the table, while refusing to give fans a straight answer.
This brings us to a painful reality before Sunday afternoon's clash against Aston Villa and, if this is to be the Catalan's final game at the Etihad Stadium, match-going fans are being denied the chance to emotionally prepare.
Do we not deserve the opportunity to process a farewell for the most transformative figure in modern Manchester City history?
Walking into the stadium on Sunday not knowing whether we are witnessing a routine end-of-season fixture or the final curtain-call of footballing royalty is unfair.
We shouldn't have to decode boardroom leaks to say goodbye to our greatest-ever icon.
'We should be angry' - Haalandpublished at 15:19 BST 20 May
15:19 BST 20 May
Shamoon Hafez Manchester City reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Striker Erling Haaland says Manchester City should be "angry" as losing the Premier League title to Arsenal "is not good enough".
The Norway international scored his 27th league goal of the season to secure a late draw at Bournemouth on Tuesday, but the result allowed Mikel Arteta's side to claim their first top-flight crown in 22 years.
It means City failed to win the title for the second consecutive season, having come third last term.
"In the end, every game in the Premier League is difficult. We tried. It wasn't enough," said Haaland. "The whole club should use this as motivation now. We should be angry, we should feel a fire inside our belly because it's not good enough.
"It's gone two years now, it feels like forever. We're going to do everything we can, everyone that will be here next season, to win the league."
Speculation continues to swirl over the future of manager Pep Guardiola, who said after the game he will speak to chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak in the next few days.
Sunday's final game of the season against Aston Villa at Etihad Stadium could be bring down the curtain on the Spaniard's trophy-laden decade-long tenure.
"We haven't [been] told anything," midfielder Rodri said of Guardiola's future. "Pep is still our manager and we have to recover and play the last game how it is to say goodbye to two legends of our club in John [Stones] and Bernardo [Silva]."
The 2024 Ballon d'Or winner added: "I will be sad [if Guardiola leaves] because not only what he means for the club but for this country [too]. He changed football and having the best manager in the world is always credit.
"I also think that if he left he will deserve the best goodbye as he is a legend and we only have good thoughts for him. Big credit [to him] and unbelievable."
Man City gearing up for 'significant summer of change'published at 13:42 BST 20 May
13:42 BST 20 May
Shamoon Hafez Manchester City reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Manchester City's world fell apart in the space of 24 hours as they surrendered the Premier League title - following on from the bombshell news of manager Pep Guardiola's impending departure.
The headlines every City fan feared about the Spaniard's future broke on Monday night, before the side's 1-1 draw at Bournemouth on Tuesday night.
While Guardiola insists he will make his decision after talks with chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak, the expectation is for him to end his trophy-laden and decade-long tenure at the club, with Enzo Maresca poised to be his successor.
Guardiola told Sky Sports: "The first person I have to talk to is my chairman because we both decided that when we finish the season, we will sit and we will talk. It is as simple as that. After that, we will take the decision."
The 55-year-old, who has led City to Carabao Cup and FA Cup success this season, added: "I have one more year of my contract. I will not tell you [a decision] here because I have to talk with my chairman, my players and my staff.
"When we play for the FA Cup, for Champions League qualification, for the Premier League title, there is just one thing in my mind and focus: trying to bring the team to the highest point."
All eyes were on Guardiola at Vitality Stadium for City's must-win game, though.
He was greeted by the flashing cameras of 22 photographers as he entered the dugout before kick-off, while one City fan raised a bedsheet with 'Pep Stay' scribbled on it.
"One more year, one more year, Guardiola," was chanted during the game but, by the end, the manager was the first to make a hasty exit down the tunnel.
The shock developments, should they officially be confirmed by the club, mean it is now shaping up to be a significant summer of change at the club this summer.
A domestic cup double was secured this season, but the title has eluded the club for a second straight campaign - something which has not happened before in Guardiola's distinguished managerial career, which has included spells at Barcelona and Bayern Munich.
And, if it does transpire to be his final week at Etihad Stadium, he will no doubt depart with a tinge of regret. City had the title in their own hands just 15 days ago, but their trip to Everton proved to be the turning point.
Now, Sunday's game against Aston Villa will now be viewed as an emotional farewell to a man who has brought so much joy and success to supporters over the past 10 years.
Man City reveal home kit for 2026-27published at 12:40 BST 20 May
12:40 BST 20 May
Shamoon Hafez Manchester City reporter
Image source, Puma/Man City
Manchester City look set to have a new manager next season but we know they will definitely have a new home kit.
The club have released their new home design for the 2026-27 campaign. The colour runs through a full gradient of sky blue - starting off darker at the shoulders and getting lighter as it falls - the shirt is finished with a metallic monochrome crest and sponsor details.
City say the design "speaks to the idea of progression, of a club always moving forward and never settling for where it currently stands".
Kit manufacturer Puma's product line manager Maria Kiebacher, said: "Manchester City is not a typical football club and everything about this kit and this campaign reflects that.
"The gradient tells a story of ambition and progression and it reflects a club that has always been willing to do things differently."
Man City used to 'revolving door' situations - Hartpublished at 10:03 BST 20 May
10:03 BST 20 May
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Former Premier League goalkeeper Joe Hart believes Pep Guardiola will be "heavily involved in his own succession plan" at Manchester City, if he decides to leave the club at the end of this season.
The 55-year-old has been at the helm since the start of 2016-17, but sources have told BBC Sport that the club are preparing for his exit after Sunday's Premier League match against Aston Villa.
"There is no doubt about the fact that there will be a contingency plan," Hart explained on Match of the Day.
"They [Pep Guardiola, Bernardo Silva and John Stones] are a big three to lose at the same time, but that is the revolving door that goes on at Manchester City.
"They make plans for situations like this. They have discussions for situations like this. Pep Guardiola will be heavily involved in his own succession plan because he wants the club to continue [in the way it has been].
"The hierarchy realise that this situation isn't just about Pep Guardiola. They realise this situation is about Manchester City - and that is far more important, so there will be plans in place."
Manchester City lose out title - your views published at 08:30 BST 20 May
08:30 BST 20 May
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We asked for your views on Manchester City's failure to stay in the Premier League title race, with their 1-1 draw at Bournemouth crowning Arsenal champions.
Here are some of your comments:
Joe: A disappointment but, as it is a transitional season, we have to be satisfied with the two cup wins. Next Sunday will be a bitter sweet day, saying farewell to Bernie and Johnny and, reportedly Pep too, but let's remember what a ride it's been.
Sam: How do you go 15 Premier League games unbeaten and still fail to win the Premier League?
John: City just fell short in the challenge to win the Premier League. The team is in transition and compared with last season I feel we have done well having won the League Cup and the FA Cup and finishing runners up in the Premier League. That said the standard of the Premier League has been the lowest for some time. Perhaps it's the pre-World Cup that has affected the standard. Congratulations to Arsenal, unlike cup competitions the winners almost always deserve the trophy.
David: The table never lies and Arsenal deserve to be Champions with a game to spare. Man City not quite good enough!
Alan: I watched the game. I think the idea that the manager is leaving got to the players. They looked leggy and not as sharp as usual.
Spaniard Guardiola will take a year-long sabbatical after leaving Manchester City before taking a job coaching a national team. (Sport - in Spanish), external
Everton's interest in FC Midtjylland's Chile winger Dario Osorio, 22, is unlikely to impact a deal being done for 30-year-old England attacker Jack Grealish following his loan spell from Manchester City. (Football Insider), external
Bournemouth 1-1 Man City: What Guardiola and Silva saidpublished at 22:41 BST 19 May
22:41 BST 19 May
Media caption,
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola, speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "Second half when we made the substitutes, the impact was not what we needed - but 12 days to prepare for that game against three.
"We gave everything - a successful season, so I am really pleased. We fought against things we cannot control. At the end, we tried, tried and tried again. Really pleased with how we behaved.
"The action for offside for Erling Haaland the linesman, was up so quick. It would be nice to allow him to finish the action.
"We gave everything and, of course, congratulate Arsenal, Mikel [Arteta], the backroom staff and the players.
"Fatigue was a big part today and took a big part of the game."
On his future with the club: "Allow me to talk with my chairman. I have one more year [on the] contract.
"When I finish the season every time we talk about it. I never talk with anyone. First of all, I talk with my chairman and my bosses.
"To talk we need to talk to him. What we have to do next season to you, your colleagues. I have from my experience when the boss or manager is anticipating he is leaving - the players don't follow you any more. You have to lead. Now is the moment to talk to him.
"The competition and all these kinds of things you have to prove again and again and again. So that is honestly a really good season."
Captain Bernardo Silva, speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "Disappointment. We know this is the main title for the season because it is the longest.
"It is the one you work the most for. We gave it a fight, we fought until the end. Proud of the guys, but it is not enough at this level.
"I hope for the next season they can have this feeling of not regret, but a bit of something inside that makes them go even more. They have the quality and they have the potential.
"I hate the feeling of losing. If you want to be in a club like Manchester City you have to be like that. It is not enough at the football club, especially as the Premier League is the main target for the club.
"Hopefully, they can have that feeling of wanting to achieve more for the next season."
Analysis: End of an era on Sunday?published at 21:56 BST 19 May
21:56 BST 19 May
Shamoon Hafez Manchester City reporter
Image source, Getty Images
If Pep Guardiola's 10-year trophy-filled tenure is drawing to a close, he will have to make do with the FA Cup and Carabao Cup as a final flourish.
Manchester City's chase for the title came to a halt in Bournemouth and the 55-year-old will leave the job having won six Premier League titles while in charge, but having had two consecutive seasons without finishing top for the first time in his career.
This was a must-win game for City if they wanted to extend the race for five more days, but the home game against Aston Villa on Sunday is now anticipated to be Guardiola's farewell.
City had beaten their opponents in 16 of their 17 Premier League meetings but have now failed to win back-to-back games at this stadium, with this setback proving decisive as they ended with a whimper.
The visitors played like a side distracted by other matters and despite a rally in injury-time when Rodri struck the post and Erling Haaland pulled a goal back in the 95th minute, a draw was not enough.
The returning Antoine Semenyo thought he had scored against his former club but his effort was ruled out for offside, while the league's top scorer Haaland saw a thumping shot from the angle blocked by Evanilson.
Guardiola and his side must gather themselves for one final game which is bound to be an emotional affair, as Italian Enzo Maresca waits in the wings to take over.
Image source, Getty Images
