Guardiola set for first Etihad return since leaving Man City

Ex-Man City coach, Pep Guardiola

Pep Guardiola is set to return to the Etihad Stadium next week when Manchester City host Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League.

As reported by BBC Sport on Wednesday, the former City manager is expected to attend the match on Wednesday, 14 October, marking his first visit to the stadium since leaving the club at the end of last season after a decade in charge.

Guardiola’s return comes at a significant time for City, following the independent commission’s findings over the Premier League’s 115 charges against the club relating to alleged financial-rule breaches between the 2009-10 and 2017-18 seasons.

City were found guilty of the majority of the charges and have appealed the findings.

The club continues to deny any wrongdoing.
Guardiola has publicly maintained his support for City’s ownership and leadership since the verdict.

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Earlier this month, he said he would “always” stand behind the club and expressed his belief that they would get through the situation together.

The Spaniard enjoyed a hugely successful 10-year spell at Manchester City, winning six Premier League titles, including a record four in a row, as well as the Champions League, three FA Cups and five League Cups.

Before leaving the club, Guardiola had also addressed the possibility of City being relegated as a result of the charges, saying in November 2024 that he would remain at the club even if that happened.

City will first face Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday before welcoming reigning European champions PSG to the Etihad three days later.

Guardiola’s presence in the stands is expected to add further attention to an already significant Champions League fixture, as he returns to the stadium where he spent a decade building one of the most successful periods in Manchester City’s history.

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