'That is Pep's influence' - Joleon Lescott reveals what Pep Guardiola's legacy will be amid Manchester City exit reports

TNT Sports expert Joleon Lescott insists that Pep Guardiola’s impact on English football goes well beyond Manchester City, amid reports that he could bring his decade-long love affair with the club to an end on Sunday.

The former Manchester City and England defender believes that Guardiola has changed the way that the beautiful game is played at every step of the English football pyramid.

Guardiola arrived at Etihad Stadium in 2016 and has since won six Premier League titles, the UEFA Champions League, three FA Cups, and five Carabao Cups.

However, there have been reports that he could leave the club at the end of the 2025/26 campaign.

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Lescott says that the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager’s legacy stretches far beyond Manchester City, emphasising how his trademark style of play has changed English football forever.

”I think his impact on English football is far greater than his impact on Man City, which is a credit to him,” he said.

”For any successful manager you talk about a legacy within the club, but we're talking about how Pep has influenced and changed the way football is played throughout the whole pyramid system.

”I play vets football now, and teams at that level want to play out from the back, pass between the lines and try and play a more progressive style.

Guardiola on possible Man City farewell: 'I have said so many times, I have one more year'

Video credit: SNTV

”That is Pep's influence. I don't think his legacy will ever be matched from that perspective.

”Yes in terms of what he's done at Man City has been amazing - it's probably surpassed everyone's expectations in the 10 years that he's been there, the level of consistency has been insane.

”But his legacy is far greater than Man City.”

Guardiola’s hopes of claiming a seventh Premier League crown came to an end on Tuesday evening after his side drew 1-1 with Bournemouth, handing the iconic trophy to title rivals Arsenal.

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However, he will not end the season empty-handed after masterminding a 1-0 win against Chelsea in the FA Cup final and a 2-0 triumph over Arsenal in the Carabao Cup final.

Guardiola was widely reported to be on the verge of leaving City last season, but he signed a contract extension with the club in November 2024. His current deal is set to expire at the end of the 2026/27 season.

Enzo Maresca, who left his role as Chelsea manager in January, has been rumoured to be in line to replace Guardiola.

City are now guaranteed to finish second in the Premier League table ahead of their final game of the season, against Aston Villa at the Etihad on Sunday.

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