A new documentary chronicling Pep Guardiola’s final two seasons at Manchester City has lifted the lid on the emotional moments that shaped the end of one of football’s most successful managerial reigns.
The Amazon Prime series captures Guardiola addressing his squad shortly after Kyle Walker left the club on loan for AC Milan in January 2025. Speaking to his players, the Spaniard admitted he was “incredibly sad” by the captain’s decision to seek a new challenge, while questioning the manner in which the departure unfolded.
“So sad, what happened with Kyle,” Guardiola tells the dressing room. “It was so easy for him to come to me and say, ‘I’m tired’. But you cannot behave as a captain the way he has done it.”
The documentary also includes previously unseen footage of a tense dressing-room exchange between Guardiola and Walker following Manchester City’s defeat at Liverpool in December 2024. After criticising the defender for losing possession in the build-up to a decisive penalty, Walker responded: “Every meeting, it’s my name.”
Guardiola replied: “Maybe because you’re a captain.”
The series paints a broader picture of a difficult period for Manchester City. Following four consecutive defeats during the 2024-25 campaign, Guardiola is shown questioning his own future and becoming visibly emotional as he reassures his players he remained committed despite the team’s struggles.
“If I’m a problem, then you have to tell me,” he says in one meeting. “I won’t stay here just for the money.”
Away from football, the documentary reveals Guardiola was dealing with personal challenges, including his divorce. Long-time assistant Manel Estiarte explains that members of the squad had become concerned by the manager’s behaviour before he informed them Guardiola was going through a difficult period in his private life.
The programme also revisits the emotional departure of Kevin De Bruyne, with Guardiola admitting the decision “kills me” as the Belgian midfielder breaks down while discussing the impact on his family.
Sporting director Hugo Viana also reveals Manchester City carried out extensive background checks before signing Rayan Cherki, saying there had been concerns over the Frenchman’s attitude despite his unquestionable talent. Cherki would go on to silence those doubts by producing four goals and 12 Premier League assists during an impressive debut campaign.
Guardiola stepped down at the end of the 2025-26 season after a decade at the Etihad Stadium, leaving with 20 major trophies, including six Premier League titles and a Champions League crown. Reflecting on his future, the Spaniard admitted he needed time away from football after an emotionally draining final chapter.
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