Guardiola to Visit Etihad for First Time Since Leaving Man City

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

BBC Sport reported on Wednesday that the former City manager is expected to attend the match on Wednesday, 14 October. This will be his first visit to the stadium since leaving the club at the end of last season after ten years in charge.

Guardiola’s return is significant for City. This comes after the independent commission's findings about the Premier League’s 115 charges against the club. These charges relate to alleged financial rule breaches between the 2009-10 and 2017-18 seasons.

City was found guilty of most charges and has appealed the findings. The club continues to deny any wrongdoing.

Guardiola has shown his support for City’s ownership and leadership since the verdict. Earlier this month, he said he would "always" stand behind the club. He believes they will get through this situation together.

The Spaniard had a very successful ten years at Manchester City. He won six Premier League titles, including a record four in a row. He also won the Champions League, three FA Cups, and five League Cups.

Before leaving the club, Guardiola talked about the chance of City being relegated due to the charges. In November 2024, he said he would stay at the club even if that happened.

City will first play Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday. Then they will welcome reigning European champions PSG to the Etihad three days later.

Guardiola’s presence in the stands will add more attention to this important Champions League match. He returns to the stadium where he spent ten years building one of the most successful times in Manchester City’s history.