Pep Guardiola: Man City future doubt grows as Ally McCoist spots startling touchline change
Ally McCoist has noticed a change in the way Pep Guardiola acts on the touchline as his Manchester City future is plunged into further doubt.
Man City were beaten 2-1 by Real Madrid on Tuesday, with Vinicus Junior’s brace capping off an embarrassing last-16 tie that ended 5-1 on aggregate to the Spanish giants.
Erling Haaland got a goal back but it was ultimately a bridge too far for the home side, who were reduced to 10 men in the first half when Bernardo Silva was adjudged to have blocked a shot off the line with his arm.
Guardiola has been linked with a departure from the Etihad Stadium this summer, with decision-makers preparing in the event that he does leave.
The Spaniard will likely have a say in Man City’s next manager, with Enzo Maresca emerging as the favourite so far.
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VISIT THE MANAGER HUBAlly McCoist notices Pep Guardiola change
Football Insider exclusively revealed last week that Man City want Guardiola to stay and see out the final year of his contract, despite a disappointing season.
Tuesday’s exit from the Champions League was a blow for the Citizens, who could well end up with nothing despite remaining in contention for three trophies.
| Pep Guardiola | Man City |
| Wins | 414 |
| Draws | 75 |
| Losses | 92 |
| Scored | 1436 |
| Conceded | 549 |
A clash with Arsenal awaits in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday, with the Gunners in good form.
Mikel Arteta’s side also lead Man City in the Premier League by nine points, although Guardiola’s team have a game in hand and the two sides are set to meet at the Etihad Stadium next month.
Yet McCoist is convinced that something has changed about the Spaniard in recent months.
| Competition | Current Status | Next Milestone |
|---|---|---|
| Carabao Cup | Finalist | Arsenal (Sunday) |
| Premier League | 2nd (9pts behind) | Etihad Showdown (April) |
| Champions League | ELIMINATED | 5-1 Agg vs Real Madrid |
Source: Football Insider Analysis / Man City Fixture Schedule
“He doesn’t look happy,” he explained to talkSPORT on Wednesday. “He never necessarily does look happy when he’s interviewed, I think he’s one of these coaches that doesn’t fancy getting interviewed and doesn’t have a lot of time for it.
“Realises it’s part of the job but isn’t particularly happy doing it, and I get that, I understand that, but I think it has changed a bit. His demeanour’s changed a little bit, I genuinely believe that.”
What Guardiola said after Man City’s Champions League exit
Guardiola has been hesitant to say either way about his involvement with Man City next season, and it is possible that the Spaniard has not even decided yet.
He has dropped hints that he could be coming to the end of his time at the Etihad Stadium, but he rather went the opposite way on Tuesday.
“Just a feeling what would happen if it was 10 against 11. That is just the feeling,” Guardiola said after his side were knocked out of the Champions League.
“We gave everything! We have an extraordinary team, an extraordinary group of players. The future is bright! Next season, we will (be) back.”
He later added: “Oh, everybody wants to fire me, right?! Oh my god, guys! One day I will come here and say, ‘Bye bye, guys!’.
“And still I’m here, one more year of contract. Yeah, you’re right. I should’ve won six Champions Leagues to be recognised (as a successful manager).”
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