Manchester City will name the newly built and expanded north stand of the Etihad Stadium after Pep Guardiola, who will lead the team from the City bench for the last time on Sunday.
Manchester City announced that the newly built and expanded northern stand of the stadium will Etihad bear the name “Pep Guardiola Tribune”.
The decision was made in honor of the Spanish coach who on Sunday, in the match against Aston Villaleads the team from the Manchester City bench for the last time, ending his ten-year tenure at the club. British media reports that Guardiola will take on the role of global ambassador for City Football Group after his departure.
Great honor for Guardiola
The stand will be fully open to fans for the first time on Sunday, at the last game of the season against Aston Villa.
The upgrade of the northern stand began at the end of 2023, and with the expansion, the stadium will gain approx 7,000 new seatsbringing Etihad’s total capacity to approx 61,000 spectators.
North Stand to be renamed ‘The Pep Guardiola Stand.’ 🩵
Read more 🔗 https://t.co/IcuzmBkVXV pic.twitter.com/SrUqawbHWx
— Manchester City (@ManCity) May 22, 2026
Guardiola did not hide his emotions after the club’s decision.
I was speechless. Khaldoon called me and said that the club had made that decision. I have no words. I like to feel that my energy will be there forever. In difficult moments, when someone looks over there and sees Pep, I will send my energy to the team and the club. It is one of the greatest honors I can receivesaid Guardiola.
His father also comes to the ceremony
Guardiola especially pointed out that his team will also come to the game 94-year-old father.
My father will be here on Sunday. He is 94 years old and will come to watch the game. It is an incredible honor to have our family name on this beautiful placesaid the Spanish coach.
British media also state that Manchester City will erect a statue of Guardiola in honor of his contribution to the club.
Pep 💬 (On the naming of the North Stand after him) Speechless. No words. What can I say? Khaldoon called me and said the club had made that decision. I say, no words. I like to feel that my vibe or energy will be there forever. In the bad moments, when someone looks there and… pic.twitter.com/04DwvY5oAg
— Manchester City (@ManCity) May 22, 2026
A decade of trophies and dominance
Guardiola took over Manchester City in 2016 and built one of the most successful periods in the club’s history.
According to Reuters, in ten years on the City bench, he won six Premier League titles, five League Cups, three FA Cups and the Champions League title, along with a historic treble in the 2022/2023 season.
Sunday’s match against Aston Villa will also be a farewell for City fans to the coach who marked the club’s modern history.
(www.jabuka.tv | Photo: Manchester City)
