Manchester City have confirmed the end of one era is near, and a new one is to begin. The club has confirmed that Txiki Begiristain will step down from his role as the director of football. He will be replaced by Hugo Viana the club has also confirmed.
In a statement released on mancity.com, the world champions have confirmed that Txiki Begiristain will step down from his role after the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup. Furthermore, Manchester City added that Hugo Viana will take over as City’s director of football in the summer of 2025. Manchester City further added that the club looks forward to celebrating Txiki Begiristain’s contribution to the club at the end of the 24/25 season.
Today’s news isn’t a major surprise. David Ornstein broke the news earlier this week for the Athletic that Txiki Begiristain was set to step down at the end of the season. Ornstein and Sam Lee also confirmed City’s capture of Hugo Viana yesterday. But today’s announcement by Manchester City does confirm that the 24/25 season is the end of an era for the club.
Since arriving at Manchester City in 2012 Txiki Begiristain has helped guide City to an unprecedented level of success. He has been a key part of City’s rise to the top of world football. Without him, it is doubtful that Pep Guardiola would’ve taken the City job as manager. That may be Begiristain’s biggest accomplishment at the club. But he has left the club in a strong position.
With Hugo Viana’s appointment confirmed he can begin a new era at City next summer. He will walk into a club that is well-positioned for sustained success. The challenge for Viana will be to help preserve City’s place at the top of English and European football. Based on his success at Sporting Lisbon he is a shrewd operator. That is a trait that will be needed by Viana to step into the director of football role at Manchester City.
Txiki Begiristain has made a stunning contribution to the world champions. The remainder of this season has the potential to be a celebration of what he done for the club. If that is how it turns out remains to be seen.