Khaldoon Al Mubarak says Guardiola threatened to quit 100 times at Man City
4 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Jun 4, 2026, 12:06 PM
Last updated Jun 4, 2026

Pep Guardiola's lengthy tenure as Manchester City manager included numerous instances in which he threatened to resign, according to club chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak. Guardiola, who led the team to 17 major trophies over 10 years, confirmed he would leave after this season, stating the club needed new leadership. Al Mubarak reflected on his relationship with Guardiola, describing himself as a 'psychiatrist' who managed Guardiola during challenging times. Enzo Maresca is reportedly in line to succeed Guardiola, with the club set to announce a replacement soon.
- •Guardiola threatened to quit Manchester City 100 times during his decade-long reign.
- •He won 17 major trophies, including six Premier League titles and a Champions League title.
- •Al Mubarak confirmed he did not try to persuade Guardiola to stay this time.
- •The club is in advanced talks with Enzo Maresca as a potential replacement.
- •An announcement about the new manager will be made soon.
- 5:01 PMYahoo Sports — 'I knew it and that's why I didn't fight it' - Khaldoon on Guardiola exit
- 12:07 PMYahoo Sports — Guardiola quit '100 times' in the past - Khaldoon
- 12:06 PMBBC Sport — Guardiola quit '100 times' in the past - Khaldoon
- 12:00 PMYahoo Sports — Pep Guardiola ‘quit Man City 100 times’ over historic decade in charge
- 12:00 PMThe Guardian Sport — Pep Guardiola ‘threatened to quit 100 times’ as Manchester City manager
"Chair compares Guardiola with The Boy Who Cried Wolf ‘He never thought he would stay more than four years’ Khaldoon al-Mubarak has revealed Pep Guardiola “quit 100 times” as Manchester City manager, with the chair comparing the Catalan’s empty threats to The Boy Who Cried Wolf, one of Aesop’s Fables. Guardiola left City last month after 10 successful years during which he led the club to 17 major honours. He initially signed a three-year deal and while he agreed four extensions – in 2018, 2020, 2022 and 2024 – he was hesitant each time. Mubarak, who described himself as Guardiola’s “psychiatrist”, was instrumental in keeping his manager at City. Continue reading...
"Pep Guardiola threatened to quit Manchester City "100 times" during his decade-long reign as manager but chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak said this time he knew the Spaniard "actually meant it". Guardiola, 55, stepped down at the end of this season after leading the club to 17 major trophies, including six Premier League titles and a Champions League victory. Before last month's FA Cup final victory over Chelsea, Guardiola was asked whether the visit to Wembley Stadium would be his last.
"Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak knew Pep Guardiola was serious about quitting as Manchester City manager after talking him round on previous occasions.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJun 4, 2026, 5:01 PM'I knew it and that's why I didn't fight it' - Khaldoon on Guardiola exit
Pep Guardiola threatened to quit Manchester City "100 times" during his decade-long reign as manager but chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak said this time he knew the Spaniard "actually meant it". Guardiola, 55, stepped down at the end of this season after leading the club to 17 major trophies, including six Premier League titles and a Champions League victory. Before last month's FA Cup final victory over Chelsea, Guardiola was asked whether the visit to Wembley Stadium would be his last.
- Yahoo SportsJun 4, 2026, 12:07 PMGuardiola quit '100 times' in the past - Khaldoon
Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak knew Pep Guardiola was serious about quitting as Manchester City manager after talking him round on previous occasions.
- BBC SportJun 4, 2026, 12:06 PMGuardiola quit '100 times' in the past - Khaldoon
Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak knew Pep Guardiola was serious about quitting as Manchester City manager after talking him round on previous occasions.
- Yahoo SportsJun 4, 2026, 12:00 PMPep Guardiola ‘quit Man City 100 times’ over historic decade in charge
City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak says he became Guardiola’s ‘psychiatrist’ as he paid tribute to the Catalan coach
- The Guardian SportJun 4, 2026, 12:00 PMPep Guardiola ‘threatened to quit 100 times’ as Manchester City manager
Chair compares Guardiola with The Boy Who Cried Wolf ‘He never thought he would stay more than four years’ Khaldoon al-Mubarak has revealed Pep Guardiola “quit 100 times” as Manchester City manager, with the chair comparing the Catalan’s empty threats to The Boy Who Cried Wolf, one of Aesop’s Fables. Guardiola left City last month after 10 successful years during which he led the club to 17 major honours. He initially signed a three-year deal and while he agreed four extensions – in 2018, 2020, 2022 and 2024 – he was hesitant each time. Mubarak, who described himself as Guardiola’s “psychiatrist”, was instrumental in keeping his manager at City. Continue reading...
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