How would Manchester City cope with Pep Guardiola exit? Steven Gerrard compares it to Sir Alex Ferguson and Jurgen Klopp

The Spaniard has won six Premier League titles, three Emirates FA Cups, five Carabao Cups and a UEFA Champions League since arriving in 2016.

On Saturday, Antoine Semenyo's superb flick was enough to secure a 1-0 victory over Chelsea at Wembley as the FA Cup was added to Carabao Cup success earlier this season.

He could still add another league title to his collection before the end of the 2025/26 campaign, however, there have been reports that the former Bayern Munich and Barcelona manager could be approaching the end of his time at the club.

Speaking to TNT Sports after victory over Chelsea, the Catalan was coy about his future.

When asked by TNT Sports about the rumours this could be his final season as City manager, Guardiola's reply failed to quash the speculation.

"What rumours? Have a lovely evening," the Spaniard said with a smile, before ending the interview.

There were suggestions that Guardiola could leave prior to him signing a new deal until 2027 last term, and there is still a chance that he could extend his stay yet again.

TNT Sports expert Steven Gerrard compared the 55-year-old's departure to when Sir Alex Ferguson and Jurgen Klopp left Manchester United and Liverpool respectively.

”You can see in the clips earlier, he was really emotional around The Treble,” Gerrard said. ”I think he lives it, he feels it.

”By all accounts, and Joe [Hart] will know more than me, he doesn’t leave the training ground until eight or nine at night every single day.

”So, he has invested in Manchester City. I think he will be missed. They are big shoes to fill. I think we are living it now with Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool.

”It is all set up, and they do still have fantastic players, but you do need to get over the line in cup finals and win leagues and Champions Leagues.

”I wouldn’t be surprised if there is a bit of a wobble when someone that big, with that aura, that style of play and the trophies he has won, leaves. It is Sir Alex Ferguson-esque level.”

Speaking after Guardiola's interview on Saturday, Gerrard added: "I just don't think he's ready to give any announcement. He's got big games ahead and he just wants to enjoy this moment.

"He's got a parade coming up and he's got two huge league games to prepare for. He's earned the right to do it on his terms, and he'll do it when he's ready."

Reflecting on Guardiola's refusal to take part in any lengthy conversation about his future, former Man City goalkeeper Joe Hart told TNT Sports: "That speaks a thousand words what he just said, in my opinion. But he's got so much to focus on and so much to be grateful for. They will deal with all that come next Sunday."

But Joe Cole responded: "I still don't think he's made his mind up. I genuinely think it could go either way."

Cole's fellow TNT Sports expert Eidur Gudjohnsen believes that Guardiola could part ways with City now, pointing out that a decade at the helm of a Premier League giant can take a lot out of you.

Ex-Barcelona forward Gudjohnsen spoke ahead of the FA Cup final at Wembley, where his former manager went head-to-head with his former club, Chelsea.

”We have heard the story many times, coming towards the second half of the season,” he said.

”He might extend for a year, he might not. It is now four or five seasons into this speculation circulating.

”I think this might be the time. I think it takes a lot out of you, and you can see it takes a lot out of him.

”It is almost an obsession with him, and he is so obsessed about football. I think it drains him, but maybe after a good holiday, he will come back.”

TNT Sports expert Joleon Lescott agreed with Gudjohnsen, suggesting it may be wise to end his love affair with City at the end of the current season.

"I don't know," he said. "My heart is saying, 'Probably yeah, he parts ways at the end of the season,' but I have no inkling.

"I have no idea what that looks like and I am sure he just wants to win today and give John Stones and Bernardo Silva the send-off they deserve."

Guardiola reiterated his commitment to the club in the face of reports suggesting his time at the Etihad could be coming to an end, insisting that he would see out his current contract.

"Yeah [I will be here next season], I am here. I have a contract," Guardiola told BBC Sport.

"Oh my God, people have asked me that question for a long, long time. I know the answer. You should know the answer.

"I am here and I am here at the end of the season in the Premier League."

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