Micah Richards shares his thoughts on Pep Guardiola after hearing Pep’s reply to the exit rumors.
Micah Richards was pretty sure Pep Guardiola is leaving Manchester City after seeing his first reaction to the rumors on Tuesday night.
Pep spoke about the speculation in his post-match interview after City drew 1-1 with Bournemouth, which meant Arsenal won the Premier League title.
The news came out on Monday that Guardiola would leave City at the end of the season, no matter what happens in the last two games.
Because of the draw at the Vitality Stadium, Arsenal are champions with a game left, even if City wins their last match and Arsenal lose. But the news about Pep leaving feels like an even bigger shock.
After the game, Pep didn’t clearly say yes or no about the rumors. He explained it wasn’t right to talk about his future before the season ends.
He told Sky Sports, “From my experience, announcing something like this during the competition usually doesn’t go well. The first person I need to talk to is my chairman. When we finish the season, we will sit down and talk. Then we will make a decision.”
Watching the interview, Richards felt sure about Pep’s plans.
“You can tell by how he acts that he’s leaving,” Richards said.
“I’ve watched Pep for a while, and when he wants to stay, he just says it straight. The fact he’s talking about having conversations with the chairman and his family shows me he’s probably leaving.
“It’s a sad day for the Premier League and everyone at Manchester City because he’s been amazing.”
Richards was also unhappy with how City played that night, saying their recent busy schedule isn’t an excuse.
“I don’t want to say they gave up, but usually City never stops fighting until the end. Yes, Haaland scored, but we expected a bit more from the team, especially with the players they had.
“I feel like the fans already know Pep might be leaving because of all the talk. I’m really heartbroken about it because what he’s done for this club is incredible.”
It’s widely believed that Enzo Maresca will be named as Pep’s replacement. City will have to pay a big fee to Chelsea, even though Maresca left there in January.
There are reports that Chelsea may complain legally because City talked to Maresca before he left Stamford Bridge.
Maresca has a verbal agreement to join City and is expected to sign a three-year contract.