Manchester City commission statue of Pep Guardiola as ‘fitting tributes’ discussed for legendary Etihad Stadium coach | OneFootball

Officials within the Etihad Stadium are plotting the best way to mark the achievements of Pep Guardiola for the day he ultimately decides to exit Manchester City.

The 53-year-old was at the centre of long-standing speculation over his future at the Etihad Stadium, and whether he would once again extend his contract with the reigning Premier League champions into a 10th season at the club.

Such was the uncertainty surrounding his position that reports from across Europe were already pulling together a list of names that Manchester City could consider as suitable replacements for the legendary Catalan tactician.

However, as has been the case during his previous two extensions, Guardiola held discussions with key members of the club’s hierarchy to extend his stay by a further two years in November, despite reports pointing towards one-year with the option of another 12 months.

Despite the prolonged stay of Manchester City’s greatest-ever head coach, and possibly the greatest manager ever to grace the game, those within the club are continuing to plan for the best possible way to mark his reign as the club’s manager.

According to the information of Manchester City insider ‘Tolmie’s Hairdoo’ on X, the Premier League champions have now commissioned a statue of their legendary and current head coach.

It is further revealed that one possible site may see it incorporated into Manchester City’s new North Stand redevelopment, which is expected to be completed and in action during the 2025/26 season.

The same report also reveals that a number of further ‘fitting tributes’ for the club’s most successful ever manager are being discussed, whilst Manchester City have also not decided anything with regards to the new stand and whether it could take the Catalan’s name.

Pep Guardiola himself is currently facing his worst run of form as Manchester City manager since first arriving in the summer of 2016, but will no doubt be relishing the challenge of returning his players to their ultimate glories when it comes to results.

Tuesday night’s 3-3 draw against Feyenoord in the UEFA Champions League at the Etihad Stadium made it six contests in a row that Manchester City have failed to win, losing five straight game prior to blowing a three-goal lead against the Dutch side at home.

Things certainly do not get any easier for Guardiola and his players either, as they travel to Merseyside on Sunday afternoon for a Premier League title showdown with rivals Liverpool at Anfield.