Animated, pensive, laughing, jubilant: Pep Guardiola is a manager who has never disguised his emotions and watching Guardiola has almost been as entertaining as watching the Manchester City teams he has built. So, as he prepares to leave the club after 10 trophy-laden years, The Athletic went into the archives to find 10 images that capture something of the essence of the man and his remarkable impact upon English football.

Teething Problems (2016-17)

Guardiola may have conquered Spanish football with his scintillating Barcelona team and dominated the Bundesliga with Bayern Munich, but English football posed new challenges. The early days were tough, with City struggling to adapt to the physicality of the Premier League. A 4-2 loss to Leicester City and a 4-0 defeat to Everton highlighted the initial difficulties, and the team finished third in his first season.

Centurions (2017-18)

This was the moment Guardiola knew he had silenced his doubters in the most emphatic way possible. In a way no other manager had in Premier League history, by reaching an unprecedented 100 points. The league had been wrapped up for weeks but Guardiola and his players were seeking immortality. They got it in the 94th minute of the final game against Southampton when Gabriel Jesus found the winner.

The Rivalry with Jurgen Klopp

Jurgen Klopp was the perfect sparring partner for Guardiola. Their rivalry, which spanned from 2018-19 to 2023-24, produced some of the Premier League's most memorable matches. The two managers, with their contrasting styles, pushed each other to greater heights. Guardiola's dominance limited Klopp to just one league title, but the competition was fierce and mutual respect was evident.

City Reign Supreme (May 2022)

On the final day of the 2021-22 season, Guardiola orchestrated a remarkable comeback at the Etihad. With 20 minutes remaining, City were 2-0 down against Aston Villa. Guardiola's tactical change, bringing on Ilkay Gundogan, led to a 3-2 victory and the title. His ability to remain calm under pressure was a defining trait.

Finally Winning the Champions League (May 2023)

After six previous near-misses, Guardiola finally secured the Champions League in 2023. The victory over Inter Milan in Istanbul was a culmination of years of effort and tactical innovation. It was the ultimate achievement that had eluded him at Bayern Munich and was a testament to his resilience and adaptability.

Treble Celebrations (June 2023)

The 2022-23 season was a historic one for City, as they won the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League. Guardiola embraced the 'Madchester' scene, befriending Noel Gallagher and even riding the tram with the three trophies to celebrate the treble. The open-bus celebration through the city was a moment of pure joy and triumph.

Stefan Ortega’s Title-Winning Save (May 2024)

In the 2023-24 season, a crucial save by substitute goalkeeper Stefan Ortega denied Son Heung-min and secured the title for City. Guardiola's relief and the significance of the moment were palpable, as it was a sliding-doors moment that ensured City's victory.

Changing of the Guard (March 2026)

Mikel Arteta, who had served as Guardiola's assistant, became a new rival after taking charge of Arsenal. Their final encounter in March 2026 saw Guardiola, in his iconic tweed trousers, lead City to a 2-0 victory. The rivalry between the two managers was a key factor in City's continued success.

A Golden Goodbye (May 2026)

As Guardiola prepares to leave, he is joined by Bernardo Silva, the player he describes as his 'weakness'. Their partnership has been instrumental in City's success, and the final season saw them add two more trophies to their collection. Guardiola's ability to rejuvenate players and reinvent ideas has been a hallmark of his tenure.

Guardiola's decade at Manchester City has been marked by emotional highs and lows, tactical brilliance, and an unrelenting pursuit of perfection. His legacy is etched in the memories of fans and the history of English football.