Pep Guardiola ‘leak’ linked to 115 Man City charges – Keith Wyness
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness has claimed “leaks” about Pep Guardiola’s future are linked to the 115 outstanding financial charges at Man City.
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the 66-year-old – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – suggested the Spaniard’s exit may be choreographed as he looks to avoid an awkward situation if the club are found guilty.
According to the Daily Mail (26 May), Guardiola is “expected to call time” on his Man City tenure next summer – when his contract at the Etihad Stadium comes to an end.
The 52-year-old joined the club eight years ago and has won 15 major trophies in that time.
City face an independent hearing over 115 financial charges which were levelled at them last year – with potential punishments including fines, points deductions or Premier League expulsion.
Football Insider revealed earlier in May that the hearing process could get underway in October.
Guardiola tenure ‘stale’ after new ‘leak’ from Man City, says Wyness
Aside from the investigation, Wyness suggested Guardiola may also feel his time at Man City has become “stale”.
He told Football Insider‘s Insider Track podcast: “This is a really interesting situation with this leak now coming out.
“You’ve got to believe it is somehow linked with these 115 charges. I have no idea whether Man City are guilty or not.
“I’m not making any statements about guilt, but Guardiola has said that he would go if they were found guilty.
“It appears to be a planned separation between the manager and the club, and that makes sense from a PR perspective for him to leave before the verdict comes – so it doesn’t look like he’s being forced out.
“I also think Guardiola has done his time. It can get stale, no matter what a good squad and resources you have.
“It’s the right time to go. Certainly, from a PR look, when these 115 charges are going to be in the media continually – Pep is a pure football man, he wants to maintain his position as a great manager – and it may make sense for them to go separate ways.”
In other news, Man City could sign one of four Wolves stars set to leave.
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