
Pep Guardiola continues to surprise. While all European football fans were enjoying the spectacle of Paris Saint-Germain-Bayern Munich, he chose the atmosphere of Stockport County-Port Vale in League One.
The Manchester City manager was in the stands at Edgeley Park to watch the English third-tier match, preferring live football over television. And he was not disappointed: Port Vale, already relegated, achieved a surprise victory over a play-off-bound Stockport, overturning expectations.
A choice against the tide, which allowed Guardiola to enjoy an unpredictable match, ignoring without regret the goal festival at the Parc des Princes.
Pep Guardiola is taking in the action at Stockport as they play Port Vale ?????? pic.twitter.com/46T0DTHM6O
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) April 28, 2026
Guardiola between Premier League competition and rumours from Italy
Pep Guardiola is very committed to Manchester City in the race for the Premier League title and, after the victory over Arsenal in the direct confrontation, is -3 from Arteta's Gunners, but with one game less: if he wins it, he will climb to first place with equal points and the criteria for the title are four (goal difference, goals scored, direct confrontations and away goals in direct confrontations).
In recent days, Guardiola's name has been frequently linked to the Italian national team bench, but there is nothing concrete: for now, there are only media hypotheses. His future is not yet clear, as he has a contract with City until June 2027, but the focus is on the next three weeks, with six matches and a possible end to dreams.
Guardiola's future at Manchester City is played out in 21 days: from the match against Everton to the last one against Aston Villa, passing through the FA Cup final against Chelsea. At stake is the race for the title and the chance to close with another "Domestic Treble", having already won the EFL Cup.
For this intense period, Guardiola has chosen a clear strategy: rest and energy management. He has given the players three days off, convinced that mental freshness is as important as physical. With such a busy schedule, the contribution of the entire squad will be needed.
City must follow Arsenal in the championship, but the objective is clear: to win everything. This phase also has a symbolic value, as it could be the last chapter of the Guardiola era in Manchester. After years of success, the coach aims to close it on a high note, without distractions for the future: only matches, recovery and total concentration to win everything.