“Deliberately leaked” – Manchester City insider reveals belief on Txiki Begiristain exit news | OneFootball

Manchester City reportedly believe that news of Txiki Begiristain’s exit from the club was ‘deliberately leaked’ by ‘someone outside the club’ to ’cause unrest’.

The 60-year-old will be bringing an end to his 12-year stay as Manchester City’s Director of Football at the end of the ongoing season, as confirmed by the Premier League champions in a club statement released over the weekend.

It is widely understood that Begiristain had originally intended to bring an end to his career at the club upon turning 55-years-old, but extended his stay due to his enjoyment at working on the City project and alongside close friend, Pep Guardiola.

Manchester City have been kept well aware of the situation throughout Begiristain’s thinking, and as such have been allowed enough time to identify and secure a replacement for such a crucial figure in their modern day success, with Hugo Viana arriving from Sporting CP in 2025.

But news of Txiki Begiristain’s exit emerged in the wider media earlier than Manchester City would have liked, and one claim in light of that early emergence has suggested a belief of an early leak from outside of the Etihad Stadium.

That is according to the information of Manchester City insider ‘Tolmie’s Hairdoo’ on X, who states that those within the club believe news of Txiki Begiristain’s departure was ‘deliberately leaked’ by someone outside of the club in order to ’cause unrest’.

It is also believed that the leak had an intention to ‘bring more pressure’ on Pep Guardiola’s own future at the Etihad Stadium, as Manchester City had a timescale which has now been ‘forced forward’ as a result.

Pep Guardiola is yet to have the opportunity to reflect on the impact of Txiki Begiristain at Manchester City, but faces the media on Friday afternoon ahead of the club’s return to action against Wolves in the Premier League this weekend.

Guardiola has often been hugely complimentary of his close friend and colleague, as well as a man whom he spent a significant amount of time operating alongside during their respective careers at FC Barcelona.

The 53-year-old tactician is also likely to be quizzed on Begiristain’s successor, with Hugo Viana having impressed many within Manchester City for his work alongside Ruben Amorim at Portuguese champions, Sporting CP.