Manchester City hero Shaun Wright-Phillips thinks players at his old club will be ‘lost’ if Pep Guardiola goes in 2025.
Guardiola recently steered the club to a fourth Premier League title triumph in a row, making English football history in the process.
However, in the immediate aftermath of his side’s latest win, Guardiola then sensationally hinted he could leave the Etihad next summer.
The 53-year-old has won the lot during his time at the club and next summer will mark nine years since his arrival.
Man City are expected to lose Pep Guardiola next year
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And Wright-Phillips, speaking exclusively to GB News via Highbet, believes players at City will be ‘lost’ whenever Guardiola chooses to walk away.
“It would be a massive loss to Man City and also the Premier League,” he said.
“What Pep has done for the Club and the players has been incredible and you just can’t imagine Man City without him in charge.
“The likes of Phil Foden have only known Pep so they will be lost without him.
“What Pep has done for the club, the players, the staff, it’s been amazing.
“A coach like Pep doesn’t come around that often.
“At some stage Pep will leave and if it’s after next season then you hope that one of his former assistants or coaches he has had in his set-up can step up.”
If Guardiola does go, it’ll be fascinating to see who comes in as his replacement.
Roberto De Zerbi has been linked, with the Spaniard mulling over his next move following his recent departure from Brighton.
Michel, who has worked wonders at Girona, has emerged as a possible replacement as well.
And Xabi Alonso and Julian Nagelsmann have been backed to be in the running to take over as well.
When Guardiola goes, it will leave a huge void.
And Wright-Phillips feels the City boss is simply irreplaceable, with the former England winger adding: “Pep is irreplaceable.
“You think that Man City will look at one of the coaches who have worked under Pep over the years, ones who have learnt from him and understand his way of playing [when it comes to replacements].”
While City won the league, however, their season ended on a low note.
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Man City players will be ‘lost’ when Pep Guardiola leaves the Etihad Stadium behind
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They lost 2-1 to fierce rivals Manchester United in the final of the FA Cup at Wembley after goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo.
City were accused of complacency after crashing to defeat in the capital.
Yet Wright-Phillips doesn’t buy into that notion.
“There definitely wasn’t any complacency for Man City in the FA Cup final,” he said.
“Pep wants to win every game; I was at the game and Man City weren’t at their best in the first half and Man Utd took their chances when they came.
Man City hero Shaun Wright-Phillips has opened up on Pep Guardiola’s expected exit
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“In the second half Man City were stronger, but just couldnt get the equaliser.
“It has been a long season for Man City and you look back at that first half at Wembley and Man City had loads of posssesion, made a few misplaced passes and Man Utd’s first goal came from a mistake.”
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