So long, Pep.After a transformative decade of trophy after trophy, spellbinding play and tactical shifts, the Guardiola era — as it will no doubt be called in future years — in English soccer is over.The final sendoff came Monday night when sporting and music aristocracy — basketball great Michael Jordan and Oasis mastermind Noel Gallagher among them — gathered in person and on video to pay tribute to the outgoing Manchester City manager in a parade through the city center followed by an after-party.There were tears. There were laughs. There were so many memories.There was, though, an elephant in the room, one that may slink away into the background for the next couple of months while the World Cup takes center stage but will emerge ahead of the start of next season: What next for City, Guardiola and, indeed, the English game as a whole?
Man CityThese could be tough times for the dominant team of the last decade.First of all, some housekeeping. The team needs a new manager and the front-runner is reportedly Enzo Maresca, the former Chelsea coach who was assistant to Guardiola at City in its treble-winning season of 2022-23.The sooner a replacement is hired, the quicker they can start shaping a playing squad in their image. It will already be without John Stones and Bernardo Silva, stalwarts who are confirmed to be leaving.
