In 2012, speaking of his arrival at Barcelona’s bench four years earlier, Pep Guardiola said: “Txiki is the key to all of this. When nobody else would take a risk on me, when maybe 3 per cent of the people at Barca believed in me, he was the one who insisted on my appointment to the first team. None of this would have been possible without him.”City write to all Premier League clubs regarding panel’s decisionThe Spaniard’s coaching genius would have come to the surface at some point, but no one can be so sure Guardiola would have been what he is today had it not been for Aitor “Txiki” Begiristain, Barcelona’s director of football, while the search for Frank Rijkard’s replacement on the bench was on. Afterwards, the 60-year-old took over the same position at Man City, choosing reinforcements and playing a pivotal role in Guardiola’s decision to accept the job at Etihad and involve himself in City’s project.13 years of work.21 trophies claimed.Three different managers.An entire squad transformed.Consistently successful signings.Thank you, Txiki Begiristain! 🩵 pic.twitter.com/lPhjnf47o6— City Xtra (@City_Xtra) October 8, 2024 Now, according to The Athletic, Begiristain has decided to leave the Premier League side in May after 12 years, immediately raising suspicions over Guardiola’s stay and dampening hopes of the tactician’s contract extension with the Cityzens.Begiristain had initially planned to retire from the function at the age of 55, but the exceptional successes he and Guardiola achieved made him extend the deadline until his 60th birthday. As he turned 60 in August, the decision was official, and the club gave the Spaniard full support. It is believed that Man City have already found a replacement, who should start working in 2025 with Begiristain’s help during the initial six months. As per Fabrizio Romano, it is the current Sporting Lisbon director of football and former Portuguese international, Hugo Viana, who is behind the Lions’ signatures like Viktor Gyokeres and Morten Hjulmand, among others.🗣️| Pep Guardiola: “Txiki Begiristain, is the most special person of my life.” pic.twitter.com/h3UtfVqnLk— City Chief (@City_Chief) October 8, 2024 Pep and Txiki have been personally connected since their playing days at Barcelona. Afterwards, while being Blaugrana’s director of sport (2003-2010), Begiristain was the crucial factor in giving a chance to Guardiola as Rijkard’s successor in 2008, although even Jose Mourinho was in the mix. Txiki joined Man City in 2012, uniting once more with the Cityzens’ CEO, Ferran Soriano, with whom he had previously cooperated at Camp Nou.Upon joining City, Guardiola underlined Begiristain’s importance in his arrival at Etihad.”If Txiki worked for Chelsea, I would probably have called Chelsea,” Pep revealed.Really Opta?! Liverpool take the throne while Arsenal finish eight?!Ever since, the Cityzens have dominated the English football, winning six Premier Leagues, two FA Cups, and a Champions League. During his spell in Manchester, City’s owners completely trusted Begiristain to implement their vision of the club’s functioning. Apart from ensuring Guardiola’s arrival, Txiki played a key role in signing numerous players essential for City’s successes, such as Fernandinho, Kevin De Bruyne, Rodri, Bernardo Silva, Ederson, Kyle Walker, Raheem Sterling, Ruben Dias, John Stones, and others.Finally, Begiristain’s departure raises another crucial question: Will Guardiola join him and call it a day regarding his time at Man City?##NAJAVA_MECA_8398846##
