Former England full-back Wayne Bridge believes that this season may be Pep Guardiola’s last season at the helm of Manchester City.
With Guardiola’s side on the end of two morale-damaging losses at the hands of Real Madrid in the Champions League, losing 5-1 on aggregate, the end may be near for the iconic Spanish manager.
After steering the ship of success for almost a decade at the Manchester club, Guardiola may seek time away from management to revitalise his career, should he choose to continue managing thereafter.
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Pep’s last ride?
“It kind of does (feel like Pep Guardiola’s last season in charge of City), but with Pep you never really know,” Bridge said in an exclusive interview with 10bet.
“It does feel like it could be, but you just never know – perhaps he’s thinking about something else in the future. He has been managing Manchester City for a long time – almost a decade with the club.
“I think it’s one to watch for the rest of the season and see what happens. He’s definitely not leaving behind a dying team.”
Leaving on a high note
Bridge continued to say that he’d prefer Guardiola to remain with the club for at least one more season to potentially achieve more silverware and leave the club on a high.
“If anything, he’s building a team that will probably progress next season with new signings and changes,” Bridge added.
“I’d love to see him stay for another season at least just to watch this group of players develop and see what they do next season.
“I’d love to see him stay because I think this team is only going to get better.”
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Maresca to return to the Premier League
The former Man City and Chelsea left-back went on to say that he believes the recently departed Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca would be a good fit to guide City back to the top of world football should Guardiola depart earlier than expected.
“I don’t think you could say Enzo Maresca is not the right choice,” Bridge said. “He’s been at the club before and probably has the respect of the players.
“Choosing a manager for a club is really tough. Sometimes you bring in big names, and it just doesn’t work.
“But looking at him, I think the players would respond well to him, so it’s not a bad shout at all.
“I think he’ll definitely be in the running for the job if and when Pep decides to call it a day.”
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