Posted by Chinenye on Tue 18th Aug, 2026 - tori.ng
A new documentary offers a rare glimpse into the emotional turmoil behind Pep Guardiola's final chapter at Manchester City.
(Pep Guardiola And His Player. Photo by News Express)
A forthcoming documentary chronicle Pep Guardiola's final tenure at Manchester City reveals the Spanish manager's profound dismay at captain Kyle Walker's request to depart the club, delivered in an emotional address to his squad.
The film captures Guardiola's criticism of Walker's conduct, particularly in moments of institutional difficulty, following the defender's loan transfer to AC Milan in January 2025.
Footage documents the manager addressing his team days after Walker's departure, expressing sadness whilst questioning what the players had done regarding their departing captain.
The documentary depicts an earlier confrontation between the pair following City's December 2024 defeat to Liverpool, during which Walker bore responsibility for losing possession leading to a penalty decision.
Guardiola publicly addressed the incident with his team, prompting an angry response from Walker, who objected to constant public criticism.
The manager responded by alluding to Walker's captaincy status, which Walker then contested, suggesting Guardiola had not genuinely wanted him as captain.
Walker had been selected by teammates as captain for the 2024-25 season, with four vice-captains designated.
Following the confrontation, footage shows Guardiola in tears, expressing willingness to step aside if the players felt his presence constituted a problem, whilst emphasising his desire to continue competing despite recent difficulties.
The documentary reveals Guardiola came considerably near abandoning his contract extension in November 2024, having informed the club "maybe it's over" following four consecutive defeats.
The chairman acknowledged uncertainty regarding the manager's commitment to remaining, suggesting this time the manager had genuinely perceived institutional crisis rather than merely expressing frustration.
Multiple challenges afflicted the season, encompassing a 115-point investigation into financial rule violations, the prolonged injury of Ballon d'Or winner Rodri, and Guardiola's personal upheaval as he navigated divorce proceedings.
The manager disclosed to his players his separation from his wife, describing how lost passion in his marriage paralleled concerns about squad motivation, urging his players to approach football with genuine commitment.
His technical staff member recalled addressing concerned players about their manager's emotional state, explaining Guardiola's personal circumstances to foster understanding.
Scenes document the manager's expressions of exhaustion following disappointing performances, describing himself as emotionally drained and questioning the commitment players returned to his investment in their development.
City embarked on roster reconstruction across winter and summer transfer windows, departing with 35-year-old Kevin de Bruyne, who declined to leave but departed after ten years.
Guardiola described the decision as emotionally devastating, referencing the midfielder's importance during preceding periods.
Simultaneously, the club acquired French winger Rayan Cherki, partially filling De Bruyne's role, though club executives acknowledged prior concerns regarding Cherki's temperament before recruitment.
Guardiola concluded his decade-long Manchester City tenure at the conclusion of the 2025-26 season, ultimately winning the FA Cup and League Cup in his final campaign.
The manager indicated difficulty envisioning continued employment and expressed necessity for personal restoration following accumulated personal and professional difficulties.