Paul Merson stated that Arsenal’s title win and the potential to dominate English football for the next few years could play a role in Pep Guardiola’s future at Manchester City.
Pep Guardiola has been at Manchester City for around 10 years and has won numerous accolades during this period. He’s widely regarded as the best football manager in the world, and it would be a blow for the Cityzens to lose the Catalan at the peak of his powers.
Guardiola has six Premier League titles with Manchester City, and last season was the first time in his managerial career that he went without winning a trophy. After some talk of quitting before he signed his most recent contract, which lasts until 2027, there are fresh rumours of a potential exit.
Enzo Maresca is among the two favourite options to replace Guardiola should he leave City, although the Catalan boss has since been coy and did not state explicitly that his exit is a possibility. A lot is happening in the background, as there might be a verdict at the end of the season on Manchester City’s 115 charges.
That could also force the issue in the Guardiola conversation, as he may not want to be a part of the club if they are found guilty of the charges. However, staying at one club for more than a decade could have its toll, as Guardiola may seek a break from the game for some time at the very least.
Arsenal icon, Paul Merson, had a different take on Sky Sports, as he stated that Arsenal’s success could also play a vital role in Guardiola’s exit. He named the Gunners as his favourites to win the Premier League title this season, but also claimed his former side could be set to dominate English football for the next few years, which may have a bearing on Guardiola’s time at the Etihad.
Merson said, “I think there’s a lot more to it now. It’s draining. And when you’re the manager, he is; I’m only talking from afar, but his head reminds me of a washing machine. It’s always spinning.”
“He’s always thinking of something. I don’t think he ever relaxes, and that takes its toll. And I think if they don’t win it this season, I think he’ll know that that’ll probably be an Arsenal to dominate for a while, and I think he’ll get out while he’s still ahead.”
To apply some context to what the Arsenal icon said, since Guardiola’s time at Manchester City, the club have been the dominant force in English football despite Liverpool’s two title-winning campaigns in between. Irrespective of what the Merseysiders achieved, Guardiola’s Manchester City have maintained the dominant nature of their existence in the league.
Unlike Liverpool, Arsenal are showing strong signs of dominating English football for the next few years at least, and winning the title this season would cement this claim. Hence,. Merseon’s statement could have some bearing, as Arsenal’s success in the next few years could certainly affect how Guardiola projects his mid to long-term future at the Etihad.