Pep Guardiola

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta achieved his 150th Premier League win in 249 matches, becoming the fifth fastest manager to reach that milestone in under 250 games. He trails only Pep Guardiola (204), Jose Mourinho (231), Jurgen Klopp (237), and Sir Alex Ferguson (247). Arteta also became the second person to play and manage at least 250 Premier League games, and ranks fourth in win rate among managers with 250+ matches.

5 reports · 2 sources · Updated Aug 31, 09:25 PM UTC

FC Barcelona is actively pursuing Manchester City midfielder Rodri, reportedly offering €60 million and accepting his high salary demands. Multiple Spanish media outlets indicate Rodri has rejected a generous offer from Real Madrid, choosing Barcelona for personal reasons. Barcelona must resolve registration issues and negotiate with City, who seek at least €50 million. The club hopes to finalize the deal quickly for Rodri to join training next week.

151 reports · 5 sources · Updated Aug 19, 09:31 PM UTC

English defender John Stones, 32, has verbally agreed to join Inter Milan on a free transfer after leaving Manchester City. Inter has prepared a two-year contract worth €4 million annually, with talks ongoing to finalize the deal. Stones also attracted interest from Juventus, Arsenal, and Chelsea but chose Inter. The move reunites him with former City teammate Manuel Akanji and strengthens Inter’s defense under coach Cristian Chivu. No medical has been scheduled yet.

25 reports · 11 sources · Updated Jul 31, 05:22 PM UTC

Brescia Calcio, the 114-year-old Italian football club once home to stars like Roberto Baggio and Andrea Pirlo, was declared insolvent by a court in July 2025 due to debts of nearly €20 million. After a points deduction led to relegation from Serie B, owner Massimo Cellino failed to register for Serie C, prompting the Italian Football Federation to revoke the club’s professional license. The club was liquidated, and a new entity, Union Brescia, was founded to continue football in the city.

5 reports · 4 sources · Updated Jul 30, 08:59 AM UTC

Manchester City and Spain midfielder Rodri, 30, will undergo back surgery after playing through pain during Spain’s 2026 World Cup victory. His return date is unknown, compounding a history of serious injuries including an ACL tear. With one year left on his contract and no renewal in sight, a potential transfer to Real Madrid is complicated by the surgery. City signed Elliot Anderson for £116 million to offset midfield losses, as Bernardo Silva has left and others may follow.

50 reports · 15 sources · Updated Aug 4, 08:01 AM UTC

Pep Guardiola, through his Guardiola Sala Foundation, hosted 28 Palestinian children affected by the war in Gaza at his traditional summer camp in Rialp, Lleida, Spain. The camp, first held in 2017, features training sessions and talks by top footballers and coaches. The initiative began in January when a young Palestinian resident in Barcelona contacted organizers to fulfill the children's dream of meeting Guardiola, who is admired in Palestine for his stance on the Palestinian cause. The children joined regular camp activities, and the organizer described them as 'young masters,' symbolically giving them a 'key to Palestine' as a gift. Guardiola visited the camp, interacting with the children, as shown in videos on social media.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 29, 03:33 PM UTC

Greek Super League club Olympiacos officially announced the signing of German goalkeeper Stefan Ortega Moreno on July 29. The 33-year-old, born in Hofgeismar, spent the second half of the previous season at Nottingham Forest, helping the team reach the Europa League semi-finals. Ortega previously played for Manchester City from summer 2022 to February 2026, making 56 appearances under Pep Guardiola and contributing to City's treble-winning 2022-2023 season with 14 appearances. He began his career at Arminia Bielefeld at age 15, making 220 appearances and helping the club gain promotion to the Bundesliga in 2020. The transfer marks a new chapter for the experienced goalkeeper in Greek football.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 29, 03:03 PM UTC

Tottenham Hotspur are closing in on a £60-70 million deal for Manchester City winger Savinho, who has submitted a transfer request seeking more playing time. The 22-year-old Brazilian struggled for regular minutes under Pep Guardiola, managing only one goal last season. New Spurs manager Roberto De Zerbi has prioritized Savinho as a key attacking target, with personal terms reportedly agreed. The move would make Savinho Tottenham’s seventh summer signing as part of a major squad overhaul.

10 reports · 4 sources · Updated Jul 29, 01:38 AM UTC

Italian Football Federation President Giovanni Malagò announced Paolo Maldini as the new technical director of the Italian national team, with Leonardo serving as advisor. The appointment follows weeks of deliberation, as Maldini considered the offer amid other opportunities. The move aims to restructure the national team’s leadership and prepare for upcoming international competitions. Serie A has pledged support for the process.

48 reports · 15 sources · Updated Jul 29, 08:58 AM UTC

Zinedine Zidane has been appointed as the head coach of the French national team. According to Transfermarkt, since Zidane became a head coach in 2016, he has managed 263 matches across all competitions in the top five leagues, averaging 2.19 points per game. This ranks him fourth among all managers in the same period. The top three are Hansi Flick (2.42), Luis Enrique (2.29), and Pep Guardiola (2.27). Other notable managers in the top ten include Xabi Alonso, Thomas Tuchel, Massimiliano Allegri, Jurgen Klopp, Carlo Ancelotti, and Xavi. The data covers all competitions in Europe's top five leagues.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 28, 01:28 PM UTC

The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) held talks with Pep Guardiola in Barcelona, facilitated by technical director Paolo Maldini and advisor Leonardo, to invite him as Italy’s head coach. Guardiola, a free agent after leaving Manchester City, reportedly declined, preferring a break. Italy seeks a coach after failing to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup. Other candidates include Roberto Mancini and Andrea Pirlo.

59 reports · 14 sources · Updated Jul 27, 02:36 PM UTC

Andrea Pirlo's expected appointment as head coach of the Italian national football team is in jeopardy after his role as global ambassador for Russian betting company Fonbet sparked political backlash. Italian and European politicians, including European Parliament Vice President Pina Picierno, criticized Pirlo for normalizing the Putin regime amid the Ukraine war. Italian Football Federation President Gabriele Gravina is investigating Pirlo's ties to Fonbet and Russian oligarch Sergey Lomakin, delaying the appointment. Pirlo, currently coaching Dubai United, may terminate his Fonbet contract to salvage the deal.

38 reports · 13 sources · Updated Jul 28, 04:14 AM UTC

Gianluigi Donnarumma, Manchester City and Italy goalkeeper, married childhood sweetheart Alessia Elefante on July 24-25, 2026, at the Church of San Giorgio Martire in Locorotondo, Italy. The ceremony was attended by football figures including Erling Haaland, Pep Guardiola, Paolo Maldini, and Roberto Mancini. The couple, who met in 2016, have a son born in 2024. The reception near Fasano featured a festive atmosphere with Haaland performing his signature Viking rowing dance.

6 reports · 4 sources · Updated Jul 29, 05:27 PM UTC

Italian Sports Minister Andrea Abodi commented on Andrea Pirlo's imminent appointment as head coach of the Italian national team. In an interview with Sky TV, Abodi expressed hope that Pirlo can deliver expected results while acknowledging the need for a growth process. He stated that only the pitch will reveal whether the decision is an adventure or a visionary choice, and pledged to remain a top supporter of the national team. When discussing Pep Guardiola, Abodi noted that he and Pirlo represent two very different choices, and without a clear affirmative answer from Guardiola, he would prefer to keep the Guardiola option hidden. The article originates from Hupu soccer, citing Di Marzio's personal website.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 25, 10:56 AM UTC

Manchester City has announced that Abdukodir Khusanov, the 22-year-old Uzbekistan international center-back, has signed a new five-year contract extending his stay at the club until 2031. Khusanov joined City in January 2025 and has made 47 appearances, becoming a key player in the 2025/26 season. He formed a solid defensive partnership with Marc Guéhi, starting 16 of the final 19 Premier League matches and playing a crucial role in winning the FA Cup and League Cup. Khusanov was also a finalist for the Etihad Player of the Year award and helped Uzbekistan qualify for the World Cup for the first time. Football Director Hugo Viana praised his physical and technical attributes, calling him a future world-class defender. Khusanov expressed happiness and determination to impress new manager Enzo Maresca.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 25, 10:05 AM UTC

On July 24, 2026, Enzo Maresca was officially presented as Manchester City’s new head coach, succeeding Pep Guardiola. In his first press conference, Maresca expressed confidence in the club’s stability, citing only three managers in 17 years, and compared his challenge to David Moyes’ post-Ferguson era at Manchester United. He confirmed Rodri will undergo back surgery and dismissed transfer rumors, while also addressing plans for Jack Grealish and James Trafford. Maresca emphasized continuing Guardiola’s tactical system.

11 reports · 8 sources · Updated Jul 25, 06:02 AM UTC

Borussia Dortmund (BVB) has signed Scott Tingley, an award-winning greenkeeper from English Championship club FC Watford, as their new Head of Grounds. Tingley, known as the 'turf pope,' will oversee the pitches at Signal Iduna Park, the Brackel training ground, and the Rote Erde stadium starting in October. His father was a greenkeeper at Wembley Stadium. Tingley's team was named the best ground team in the Championship in May 2025 and previously won the same award in the Premier League with Watford in 2017/18. BVB boss Lars Ricken expressed satisfaction with the signing, stating the club aims to improve in all areas. Former Bundesliga player Omar Traoré praised Watford's pitch conditions. Tingley received praise from Zlatan Ibrahimović and Pep Guardiola for his work. The move is seen as a unique transfer from Watford's 'Yellow Brick Road' to Dortmund's 'Yellow Wall.'

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 25, 03:00 AM UTC

Borussia Dortmund (BVB) has signed Scott Tingley, an award-winning greenkeeper from English Championship club FC Watford, as their new Head of Grounds. Tingley, known as the 'turf pope,' will oversee the pitches at Signal Iduna Park, the training ground in Brackel, and the Rote Erde stadium starting in October 2026. The English Football League named Tingley and his team the best ground crew in the Championship in May 2025, and they previously won the same award in the Premier League during the 2017/18 season. BVB boss Lars Ricken expressed satisfaction with the signing, stating the club aims to improve in all areas. Former Bundesliga player Omar Traoré, now at Watford, praised the outstanding turf conditions. Tingley revealed that both Zlatan Ibrahimović and Pep Guardiola had complimented the pitch at Watford. The move is seen as a unique transfer from the Championship to the Bundesliga.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 25, 03:00 AM UTC

Manchester City is undergoing a major transition as legendary manager Pep Guardiola has left the club after a highly successful tenure, with Enzo Maresca appointed as the new coach. Guardiola announced he is taking a break from coaching, leading to emotional farewells from players like Bernardo Silva. Meanwhile, key midfielder Rodri is set to undergo back surgery, and Maresca has stated he counts on the player despite rumors linking him to Real Madrid. The club also faces legal action against Enrique Riquelme over Haaland recruitment promises. On the pitch, Arsenal clinched the Premier League title after City drew with Bournemouth, ending a 22-year drought for the Gunners. Guardiola reportedly expressed anger over the timing of the leak about his departure.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 05:14 PM UTC

Brazil national team coach Carlo Ancelotti has downplayed the possibility of being hired by the Italian Football Federation, reiterating his desire to continue coaching Brazil until the 2030 World Cup. Italian Football Federation's new national team director Paolo Maldini revealed on Tuesday that they had contacted Ancelotti about two weeks ago, shortly after Brazil's World Cup elimination. The Italian federation wanted to understand Ancelotti's future plans and the buyout clause to terminate his contract early. Ancelotti politely declined, making clear he has no intention of leaving Brazil. He signed a four-year contract extension with the Brazilian Football Confederation just two months ago, running until 2030. Ancelotti is currently on vacation in Canada and will return in August to plan the national team's new cycle, leading Brazil in two friendlies against Australia in September. The Italian federation has also contacted Pep Guardiola, who is currently without a job after leaving Manchester City.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 05:24 PM UTC

Elliot Anderson has completed a £116 million transfer from Nottingham Forest to Manchester City, calling City the 'kings of Manchester' and praising their relentless winning culture. The 23-year-old midfielder, a key part of England's third-place World Cup finish, was the record British transfer fee until Morgan Rogers' £117m move to Chelsea. Anderson, who began his career at Newcastle before joining Forest for £35m in 2024, signed a contract until 2031. He is City's first major signing under new manager Enzo Maresca, who succeeded Pep Guardiola. Anderson cited Kevin De Bruyne as a childhood inspiration and led the Premier League last season in touches, duels won, and possession wins. He is relishing the upcoming Manchester derby on September 13.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 04:00 PM UTC

According to Gazzetta dello Sport, the Italian national team's coaching search is at a critical stage. While FIGC President Malagò prefers Pep Guardiola, Serie A clubs are strongly backing Antonio Conte as the top candidate to lead the Azzurri's rebuild. A key meeting is scheduled at the Serie A League headquarters in Milan, where new technical director Paolo Maldini and advisor Leonardo will present a comprehensive plan to club presidents. The plan covers youth development, infrastructure, and data analysis. Clubs view Conte as a proven leader who can guarantee a successful restart, citing his previous tenure (2014-2016) where he led Italy to a strong Euro 2016 performance. Clubs are willing to financially support Conte's return. The broader goal is to rebuild the entire Italian football system, with Conte potentially becoming a central figure in the revival. The meeting will also analyze Serie A's competitive decline compared to other European leagues using CIES data.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 06:58 AM UTC

Pep Guardiola, the legendary Spanish manager, has left Manchester City after a highly successful tenure that included twenty trophies. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Guardiola is expected to decline an offer to coach the Italian national team due to his high salary demands. The Catalan coach announced he will take a break from coaching, citing a need to rest. His departure was marked by emotional farewells, tributes from players like Haaland and Gündogan, and congratulations from the British Prime Minister. Reports indicate Guardiola was angry about leaks regarding his departure timing. The article also notes that Italy made efforts to seduce him, including meetings with Leonardo and Maldini, but Guardiola's greed reportedly scuttled the deal.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 06:16 AM UTC

In a Sky Sports transfer podcast, journalists Henry Winter and Keith Downie analyzed Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott's market situation. Scott, 22, is valued at £75-80 million with interest from Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, and Newcastle. The journalists noted that Guardiola once highly praised Scott after a Manchester City match, expressing surprise that top clubs didn't pursue him at Bristol City. Bournemouth faces a dilemma: sell now for stadium expansion funding (£50-60 million) or keep him for another season risking value depreciation. Newcastle's transfer model limits them to £20-40 million signings, making Scott's valuation challenging. The report highlights Bournemouth's successful buy-low-sell-high strategy and excellent scouting.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 04:04 AM UTC

The article analyzes Erling Haaland's prospects for the 2026/27 season with Manchester City following his standout performance at the 2026 World Cup, where he scored seven goals and gained over 50 million Instagram followers. Despite Pep Guardiola's departure and replacement by Enzo Maresca, City are expected to challenge for major trophies. Haaland won his third Premier League Golden Boot last season with 27 goals. City are 11/4 second-favorites for the Premier League title behind Arsenal, 5/1 to retain the FA Cup, 6/1 for the Carabao Cup, and 7/1 to win the Champions League. The squad has undergone renewal with the £116m signing of Elliot Anderson and departures of Bernardo Silva, John Stones, and Nathan Aké.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 03:00 AM UTC

Tottenham Hotspur's pursuit of Brazilian winger Savinho has slowed due to a significant gap in transfer fee expectations with Manchester City, according to Brazilian media outlet Globo Esporte. Spurs initiated contact early in the summer transfer window, but negotiations have made little progress in recent weeks. The 22-year-old Savinho has returned to Manchester City's pre-season training for the 2026/27 season, though his future remains uncertain. Tottenham manager De Zerbi sees Savinho as an ideal addition to boost wing speed and creativity, as the team struggled offensively while fighting relegation last season. Savinho, who joined Manchester City in 2024/25 after a strong spell at Girona, has limited playing time under Pep Guardiola, making him open to a transfer. He signed a contract extension with City until June 2031 last October amid previous Tottenham interest. Spurs maintain contact and may renew efforts if the negotiation environment changes.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 01:00 AM UTC

Former Tottenham striker and TV analyst Terry Gibson analyzed Spain's dominant performance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, highlighting their unorthodox defensive strategy centered on relentless ball possession. Speaking to the official Tottenham website, Gibson explained that Spain's primary method of defending was hoarding possession to frustrate opponents, win the ball back quickly, and then keep it for extended periods. He praised their technical quality and cited Pep Guardiola's similar approach at Barcelona. Gibson noted that Pedro Porro, a Tottenham full-back, was instrumental in Spain's triumph and returned to Hotspur Way with the winners' medal. The article suggests Tottenham should replicate this possession-based model to succeed in the Premier League.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 12:22 AM UTC

Italian Olympic Committee President Giovanni Malagò stated in an interview that he insists the Italian national team's head coach must be Italian, citing the success of Italian coaches in Serie A and a past negative experience with a foreign coach in canoeing. He expressed disappointment with Italy's World Cup performance and club results in Europe. Meanwhile, Italian Football Federation President Gabriele Gravina confirmed contact with Pep Guardiola, though other candidates include Roberto Mancini and Andrea Pirlo. Gravina indicated the new coach will not be announced at the Serie A meeting on July 23 and asked to stop inquiries about Guardiola.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 11:20 PM UTC

According to French media L'Équipe, Real Madrid is determined to sign Manchester City midfielder Rodri this summer to fill the void left by Toni Kroos's retirement. The club hopes to complete the deal for no more than €60 million, significantly less than the previously planned fee for Enzo Fernández. Rodri, a 30-year-old World Cup Best Player and 2024 Ballon d'Or winner, has one year left on his contract and has publicly expressed his desire to return to Spain. Despite initial reservations from club president Florentino Pérez and other executives due to Rodri's age and injury history, the club's management now sees him as the ideal candidate. New head coach Mourinho has also requested a player capable of organizing the game and controlling tempo. Rodri's departure from mentor Pep Guardiola at Manchester City has further fueled his wish to move.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 11:01 PM UTC

Phil Foden, 26, has signed a four-year contract extension with Manchester City, keeping him at the club until 2030 with an optional additional year. The academy graduate and lifelong City fan has made 369 appearances, scoring 110 goals, and is the club’s most decorated player with 20 major trophies, including six Premier League titles and a Champions League. Foden expressed excitement about working again with new manager Enzo Maresca, who was part of the treble-winning coaching staff. The deal reflects confidence he can regain top form after a dip in playing time.

19 reports · 13 sources · Updated Jul 22, 08:44 PM UTC