As Manchester City continues to dominate world football, big changes are reportedly on the horizon.
After more than a decade of service, the club’s long-serving director of football, Txiki Begiristain, is expected to leave at the end of this season.
A Decade of Success Under Txiki
Begiristain joined Manchester City in 2012 and played a crucial role in the club’s transformation into one of the most successful football clubs on the planet.
His influence extends far beyond just his executive decisions.
A former teammate and close friend of Pep Guardiola, Begiristain’s impact can be traced back to Barcelona, where he was instrumental in appointing Guardiola after Frank Rijkaard’s departure.
Their relationship began when they played together at Barça, and that bond continued to shape their professional paths.
Guardiola’s Trust in Begiristain
Guardiola has never been shy about crediting Begiristain for his success.
In fact, he once famously said, “Txiki is the key to all of this.
When nobody else would take a risk on me, when maybe only 3 per cent of the people at Barça believed in me, he was the one who insisted on my appointment.
None of this would have been possible without him.”
This deep trust and partnership carried over to Manchester City when Guardiola took charge in 2016.
Now, with Begiristain preparing to step down, it leaves fans wondering how it might influence Guardiola’s future at the club, especially with his contract set to expire at the end of this season.
Preparing for Change: Who Will Step Into Txiki’s Shoes?
According to reports from The Athletic, Manchester City has already lined up a replacement for Begiristain, who is expected to start early next year.
However, this transition adds another layer of complexity to Guardiola’s own contract situation.
With Guardiola reportedly considering his future at the Treble-winning club, Begiristain’s departure could play a role in his decision-making process.
Guardiola has been tight-lipped about his plans, simply stating, “I’m not going to talk about this subject. When it happens, it happens.”
However, the bond between him and Begiristain may add weight to his ultimate choice.
A Legacy That Speaks for Itself
As Begiristain turns 60, his decision to step down seems well-timed after years of intense involvement in the sport.
Initially, he planned to slow down when he reached 55, but his dedication to Manchester City and his work alongside Guardiola kept him going for an additional five years.
Now, he will hand over the reins to his successor in early 2025, but not without ensuring a smooth transition with a six-month handover period.
Under his leadership, Manchester City has won six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, six EFL Cups, and their first-ever Champions League, along with a Club World Cup victory.
His legacy at City is firmly cemented, leaving massive shoes to fill for whoever takes over.
What’s Next for City and Guardiola?
As Begiristain prepares to exit, questions remain over what’s next for Manchester City—and for Guardiola.
Will Guardiola stay and build a new era without his long-time friend and colleague?
Or will this mark the beginning of the end for one of football’s most successful partnerships?
For now, both fans and football pundits alike will have to wait and see how this transition shapes the future of the club.
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