SOUTH KOREA PERSPECTIVE

Seoul, May 22, 2026. South Korea has closely followed the announcement of Pep Guardiola: the Spanish coach will leave Manchester City at the end of the season, ending a decade that is difficult to qualify otherwise than historic. The Korea Times, the main vector of this information for the Korean English-speaking audience, has dedicated an in-depth article to this farewell, emphasizing the scope of a balance that forces respect far beyond English borders.

The first figure cited is that of 17 major titles won under Guardiola's leadership at the Etihad Stadium, to which six English Premier League titles and, as a crowning achievement, the first Champions League title in the club's history in 2023 are added. Throughout his career - Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Manchester City - Guardiola totals 35 major titles, a palmarès unmatched in contemporary football. For the current season, the coach leaves with the League Cup-FA Cup double, ultimate confirmation of his grip maintained until the end on English football.

The quote chosen by the Korea Times to illustrate this farewell is that pronounced by Guardiola himself during his press conference: 'Don't ask me the reasons for my departure. There is no reason, but deep down, I know it's my time.' A formula that, in the Korean media space, is presented without particular comment, allowing the emotional dimension of the exit to resonate. The continuation of the statement - 'Eternal will be the feeling, the people, the memories, the love I have for my Manchester City' - is also cited, reinforcing the dominant nostalgic tone.

South Korean coverage does not fail to recall that Manchester City was, at the time of Guardiola's arrival in 2016, a club supported by Abu Dhabi capital already powerful but still seeking European legitimacy. In ten years, the manager has transformed this ambition into tangible reality, imposing a possession-based and pressing style of play that has been, according to the Korea Times, 'copied at all levels' of English football. It is this dimension of systemic influence, beyond mere results, that South Korean press highlights to measure the impact left.

Regarding succession, the name of Enzo Maresca, former Chelsea and former Guardiola assistant at City, is cited as the favorite to take over the position. The task is described as daunting: 'filling Guardiola's shoes after a decade of unprecedented dominance'.