A few things struck me about Pep Guardiola’s last two press conferences, none more so than his reluctance to make it about himself.
On Friday, journalists turned up in droves to ask him a question about his departure: Why now? When was the decision made? What will you do then? His opening line: “Aston Villa, guys, allez”, which drew a laugh.
Guardiola chose to say very little about why, when and what, preferring to highlight “how happy and lucky he was” to manage Manchester City for a decade. It wasn’t the titles and records he stayed for – although they helped – it was the connection to a city he fell in love with “from day one”.
The debate about him being the Premier League’s greatest ever was “not important” to him, despite dominating the online chat for weeks before – and no doubt months after.
It wasn’t really about all the many trophies – 20 in total – that have graced his Man City career either. When asked directly about his proudest moment, he replied: “That’s a question for the people; hopefully they enjoy watching us play.”
The joy of watching Manchester City play under Pep was not necessarily encapsulated in a final performance under him. The fact that Antoine Semenyo scored from set-piece in a dismal defeat was utterly ironic. Almost the opposite of Pep-ball.
Please use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Highlights from the Premier League match between Manchester City and Aston Villa.
Guardiola remained rooted to his seat as the opener went in, presumably unenthusiastic about its swagger. Pep teams have never been built on set pieces, they weren’t about to start now. “A good game for Aston Villa to get all the alcohol out of the body after the Europa League,” he joked afterwards.
It was clear from his experimental selection – nine changes from the draw at Bournemouth – that he was not chasing a 270th Premier League win. Erling Haaland, Marc Guehi, Gianluigi Donnarumma and Nico O’Reilly were all missing, none injured.
What he wanted most was to share the experience with those who made his time extra special. With his longest serving assistants and those who best represented the club’s extraordinary development under him.
With club captain Bernardo Silva. With Johnny, Jonny Stones. With academy royalty Phil Foden.
Tearful John Stones and Bernardo Silva after playing their last games for Man City
The football was as inconsequential as it could have been between two of the league’s most tactically astute, tech-obsessed coaches. The final result was of relatively little consequence, although you wouldn’t know it from the way Guardiola addressed both Bernardo and Foden during a first-half drinks break.
Former players Ilkay Gundogan, Ederson and Fernandinho were Pep’s valued guests. Present as much to honor him as to be honored himself. And the tears flowed from start to finish. Bernardo was emotional from the moment he led the team out of the tunnel for the final time, peaking when both sets of players offered him a guard of honor to leave the pitch.
His reaction drew the same response from Guardiola, who used his casual white T-shirt to wipe away tears as he embraced the player who has comfortably made the most appearances under him (460).
“I don’t cry,” Guardiola said afterwards, “but when I see Bernardo cry, I cry.” Crowds in the stands swelled up.
Please use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Bernardo Silva received a farewell from both Aston Villa and Manchester City players during his last game at the club.
The Stones were also overcome, the adoration of a record crowd higher than ever before. Only once was Guardiola happy to embrace fanfare over football. For only the second time all season his side were beaten at home, the same number of defeats as champions Arsenal.
And then, to his last ever press conference, longer and more expressive than his penultimate. Perhaps it is simply a by-product of a match day, a rougher environment where emotions are less tamed. More likely, though, it was the culmination of something much bigger.
Pep made no effort to shield his emotions as he did on Friday. He spoke candidly about being ready to go, the furniture from his Manchester house long gone and how his sentimental side had taken over many parts of the day with his 95-year-old father in the crowd.
“The baggage of memories,” as he put it, packed away to pour over at another time. Perhaps sat on a beach with rest and recreation now high on his agenda for just the second time in nearly 20 years of relentless leadership.
Pep Guardiola waves to the fans during the post-match presentation
What will endure, of course, is the legacy of a manager who has delivered over half of the major trophies won by City, with a win rate (70.8 per cent) likely never to be seen again. And a point-per-game ratio that dwarfs even the great Sir Alex Ferguson.
Even with far fewer games than some of his contemporaries, Guardiola is fourth in the list of managers with the most wins in Premier League history (269).
The naming of the Etihad’s expanded North Stand in his honor will serve as a constant reminder of his profound influence and achievements. “The players don’t know, but I’ll be there checking them,” he joked. No doubt the psychology of that condition will forever carry significance for those who played under him.
Fans don’t forget easily either. Pep gear was everywhere on Sunday and summed up the sentiment perfectly: ‘Ten glorious years. Twenty trophies. Thanks Pep.’