Pep Guardiola may be entering his last season as Manchester City manager. — AFP Photo

Paul Kennedy

There’s been few murmurs this week coming from Manchester that Pep Guardiola could be leaving City at the end of next season.

He’s been at the Etihad for eight years, winning 15 major trophies and has just celebrated his fourth Premier League title in a row.

Before a ball has even been kicked, City are clear favourites to win it again next season, but will that be Pep’s last?

There’s no doubting he’s the best manager around right now, and in my opinion, comes a very close second to Sir Alex Ferguson as the best the Premier League has ever seen.

He’s proved his worth in Spain with Barcelona and Germany with Bayern Munich, and at 52, there’s still plenty of gas left in his tank.

He’s certainly not short of cash, so a money-making stint in Saudi Arabia isn’t necessary.

What I want to know is that if the rumours are correct, why has he decided to call it a day at City come the end of the next campaign?

Call me cynical, but I wonder if the 115 breaches of financial rules City face have got anything to do with his decision, and its timing.

If found guilty, it is my understanding that Man City's punishment would not be delivered until summer 2025, just after Guardiola leaves.

I’ve no idea what punishment would be handed out, but there is a distinct possibility City could be relegated from the Premier League if the more serious of the charges are proven.

Being one of the richest football clubs in the world, City won’t be hurt financially by any fines that may be imposed, but they could suffer a great loss on the pitch.

There’s no way Pep would want to ply his trade in anything other than the top tier of English football, and I’m sure some of City superstars would be looking for the nearest exit if forced to play in the Championship.

I’ve no idea what’s going on behind the closed doors at Manchester City, but I’m sure Pep does. Maybe he’s seen the writing on the wall and decided to get out at the right time.

He’ll be a great loss to the Premier League. He’s clearly a football genius and has virtually reinvented how the game is played.

From a personal point of view, and I’m sure I speak for every single fan of a football team other than Manchester City, I’ll be glad to see the back of him.

He’s simply too good of a manager for any other team to stand a chance.  — VNS