All eyes were on Guardiola at Vitality Stadium for City’s must-win game.
He was greeted by the flashing cameras of 22 photographers as he entered the dugout before kick-off, while one City fan raised a bedsheet with ‘Pep Stay’ scribbled on it.
“One more year, one more year, Guardiola,” was chanted during the game but, by the end, the manager was the first to make a hasty exit down the tunnel as his disconsolate players took the applause of the travelling supporters.
The shock developments, should they officially be confirmed by the club, mean it is now shaping up to be a significant summer of change at City this summer.
Until last Friday, Guardiola – who will undoubtedly go down as one of the finest managers to grace English football – had continued to insist he had “one more year” left on his contract.
But it now appears to be the end of the road after a successful spell in charge since he replaced Manuel Pellegrini in 2016.
Guardiola masterminded historic achievements at City, such as becoming the first top-flight side to achieve 100 points, the first English team to win the title in four successive seasons, and a Premier League, FA Cup, Champions League Treble in 2023 which he has described as his greatest achievement with the club.
A domestic cup double was secured this season, but the title has eluded them for a second straight campaign – something which has not happened before in Guardiola’s distinguished managerial career, which included spells at Barcelona and Bayern Munich.
And if it does transpire to be his final week, he will no doubt depart with a tinge of regret.
City had the title in their own hands 15 days ago, but the trip to Everton proved to be a turning point, dropping two points in a thrilling 3-3 draw that Arsenal fully capitalised on.
Sunday’s game against Villa will now be viewed as an emotional farewell to a man who has brought so much joy, and success, to supporters over the past 10 years.
“Pep Guardiola’s DNA has spread to other teams as well,” former City defender Nedum Onuoha told BBC Radio 5 Live. “I think Pep at Man City will be remembered as an icon.
“For them to find so much success, trips to Wembley on such big occasions. He will be remembered as the greatest ever. The success that came at this time came when it was very competitive in the league.
“The fact he is going to step aside, and someone has to come and try to build another legacy will be very different. Guardiola at Man City has been a constant. There is a huge void, but then huge potential.”
