"I don't believe it, and I honestly don't want to believe it," Enrique responded when asked by a Movistar reporter about how Guardiola's departure from Manchester City would impact football. "I know nothing about it. And actually, whenever we have the chance to talk, we rarely discuss other things. We hardly ever talk about football. But I still don't believe it's true, because I always hope he will continue to contribute for many more years."

Enrique directs his players during PSG's 1-1 draw against Bayern in the Champions League semifinal second leg at Allianz Arena, Munich, Germany on 6/5. Photo: Reuters

Guardiola has managed Manchester City since 2016, leading the club to six Premier League titles, three FA Cups, five League Cups, three Community Shields, one Champions League, one UEFA Super Cup, and one FIFA Club World Cup. He is under contract with Manchester City until 6/2027, but there are reports of a clause allowing him to leave the team at the end of the current season.

Recently, English media outlets have consistently reported that Guardiola will depart. Manchester City is even rumored to have reached a three-year agreement with coach Enzo Maresca to succeed Pep Guardiola from the 2026-2027 season.

However, Guardiola has not yet confirmed anything about his future at Manchester City. His only response when asked by the English media remains, "I still have one year left on my contract." Most recently, after the 1-1 draw against Bournemouth on 21/5, the strategist born in 1971 stated that all decisions regarding his future would be discussed with Manchester City Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak.

"During my time coaching the Spain national team, I always wondered about the fire and the craving for the rhythm of club football," Enrique continued. "I don't think Guardiola's next destination will be the Italy national team, but we can't rule out that possibility. Nevertheless, I personally want to see him work for many more years at the highest level of club football."

Enrique and PSG are preparing for their second consecutive Champions League final. Photo: AFP

Enrique previously worked with Barcelona's youth teams, including a period managing Barcelona B from 2008 to 2011. The 56-year-old coach took over this role from Guardiola himself, who was promoted to head coach of the first team at Camp Nou in 2008.

During their playing careers, Enrique and Guardiola were teammates for Barcelona (from 1996 to 2001) and the Spain national team (from 1992 to 2001). After Guardiola's era coaching the Catalan club, Enrique continued the legacy, becoming the team's head coach from 2014 to 2017, achieving significant success, including a Champions League title in 2015.

"Wherever Guardiola goes, it must be the pinnacle of the world," asserted the head coach of the reigning Champions League winner, who is preparing for the tournament's final for the second consecutive year. "Because he is a legend, and for me, he is the greatest coach of all time. That greatness is not measured by cups; what meaning do the number of titles hold? Guardiola's value lies in what he conveys, how he inspires, and how he completely changes the landscape of this sport."

"Look at how boldly Guardiola pulls center-backs or full-backs into central midfield. Who knows, maybe one day he'll position center-backs right on the goal line, and then the whole world will start imitating that unusual model. That genius quality belongs to only a select few, and in that world, Guardiola is number one," Enrique concluded.

Hoang Thong (according to Movistar and Marca)