Txiki Begiristain, Manchester City’s director of football, will leave his position at the end of the season, the Premier League champions announced on Saturday. He will be succeeded by Hugo Viana, currently with Sporting Lisbon.
Transition Details
Begiristain’s departure comes after a remarkable 12-year tenure at the Etihad Stadium, during which he played a crucial role in the club’s success. He will remain in his role until after Manchester City’s participation in this summer’s FIFA Club World Cup, with Viana set to officially assume his new position in the summer of 2025. In the interim, Viana will work alongside Begiristain to ensure a smooth transition.
The club expressed its gratitude for Begiristain’s contributions, stating, “We look forward to paying tribute to Txiki’s outstanding contribution to Manchester City at the end of the season.”
A Legacy of Success
Begiristain joined Manchester City in 2012 after a successful stint in the same role at Barcelona from 2003 to 2010. He is widely credited with persuading former teammate Pep Guardiola to take over as City manager in 2016. Their long-standing relationship began when they played together at Barcelona in the 1990s, and Begiristain had previously given Guardiola his first managerial opportunity at the club.
Under the leadership of Begiristain and Guardiola, Manchester City has enjoyed an unprecedented era of success, winning six Premier League titles, including the last four consecutively, along with the club’s first Champions League trophy and various other honors.
Future Implications
Begiristain’s upcoming exit raises further questions about Guardiola’s future, as the manager’s contract is set to expire at the end of the current season. Guardiola has not yet agreed to an extension and hinted last season that he may be nearing the end of his tenure in England.
With Begiristain stepping down and Guardiola’s future uncertain, Manchester City faces a significant transition period as they look to maintain their competitive edge in English and European football.