Guardiola Bids Farewell to Manchester City and Addresses His Successor

Guardiola's Final Match and Key Football Developments

According to Главком: On May 24, 2026, Josep Guardiola managed his last game as head of Manchester City. Over a decade at the helm, the club secured 20 trophies, including six English Premier League titles and the first Champions League victory in its history. In his farewell speech, Guardiola promised to reach out to his successor once the club announces the name. He emphasized the importance of staying true to oneself and noted that receiving support from Manchester City is the highest praise any manager who has worked there can receive.

Guardiola stated:

“Be yourself, and in tough moments, that will protect you more than in any other club. Be free in your ideas.”

– this reflects his commitment to team development and an innovative approach to football. While managing Manchester City, he always aimed to win matches, regardless of the competition.

Major Events in the Football World

Other significant events also took place in the football world. Ukraine's national team lost to Sweden 1-3 in the semi-final playoff match for the 2026 World Cup. The game ended 1-3 (0-1), with Ukraine's only goal scored by Ponomarenko in the 90+1 minute. Sweden, in turn, netted three goals from Gyökeres, who found the back of the net in the 6th, 51st, and 72nd minutes.

Meanwhile, preparations for the 2026 World Cup have begun, with the group stage draw for the upcoming tournament looking as follows:

• Group A: Mexico, South Africa, South Korea, Czech Republic.
• Group B: Canada, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Qatar, Switzerland.
• Group C: Brazil, Morocco, Haiti, Scotland.
• Group D: United States, Paraguay, Australia, Turkey.
• Group E: Germany, Curacao, Ivory Coast, Ecuador.
• Group F: Netherlands, Japan, Sweden, Tunisia.
• Group G: Belgium, Egypt, Iran, New Zealand.
• Group H: Spain, Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay.
• Group I: France, Senegal, Iraq, Norway.
• Group J: Argentina, Algeria, Austria, Jordan.
• Group K: Portugal, DR Congo, Uzbekistan, Colombia.
• Group L: England, Croatia, Ghana, Panama.

The teams finishing first and second in their groups will advance to the next stage, along with the eight best third-placed sides from the group phase. Thus, the football world is gearing up for one of its most significant tournaments, while Guardiola leaves his mark on Manchester City's history.

Guardiola's departure marks a major milestone in Manchester City's history, as he fundamentally reshaped the club's identity, introducing fresh ideas and strategies that brought success. His successor will face high expectations, with fans hoping for a continuation of the winning tradition.

On the other hand, Ukraine's loss in the World Cup playoff semi-final highlights the challenges Ukrainian footballers encounter on the international stage. Qualifying matches and further preparation for the global tournament will be critical for the team's recovery and for reaching new heights in the future.

As Guardiola steps down, speculation grows around his successor and the future direction of Manchester City. The transition period will be crucial for the club, and fans are eager to learn who will take the reins next. For a deeper insight into Guardiola's departure and what it means for the team's future, you can read more about it here.