Hugo Viana | Director of Football

[Gaz (FMwkdsoul)]

 

[Pell]

I remember when he played for Newcastle.

 

[oldius]

Club Statement: Director of Football

Manchester City can confirm that Txiki Begiristain will step away from his full-time role as Director of Football at the end of the 2024/25 season.

www.mancity.com

Now official, and so impressively handled too, emphasising our long-term thinking.

 

[youngbob]

I remember when he played for Newcastle.

Pretty sure that not only did he play in that famous Wanchope 1-0 game in 2004, but that he was also the last player to touch the ball in the match.

Here he is about to loft the ball into the box. Referee blows up as soon as he kicks it.

 

[chaddblue]

The usual slick operation

And as for all the twitter bellends shouting that Txiki is deserting the sinking ship... its actually the opposite

If we were worried about being severely punished, Txiki, same as Pep, would be standing by the club... and there's not a chance we would have been able to headhunt a top candidate from a big successful european club

 

[BlueDejong]

This process began months ago and has seen important developments in recent weeks, having been monitored from the beginning by Sporting CP's management.

months ago? wow

 

[TonyColemansbagofapples]

Nothing underhand and how these things should be done. With class.

 

[BlueMoonRisin’]

Typical City!

And the irony of that saying is it means the opposite of what it meant for many years.

It's good to be a blue, and it's never Bern better : )

 

[Shazza458]

The usual slick operation

And as for all the twitter bellends shouting that Txiki is deserting the sinking ship... its actually the opposite

If we were worried about being severely punished, Txiki, same as Pep, would be standing by the club... and there's not a chance we would have been able to headhunt a top candidate from a big successful european club

If it was the Rags we’d be getting briefings about them interviewing the “best in class” for the next 10 months.

 

[ninjamonkey]

Expected nothing less than a well thought out and smooth transition.

Still gutted Txiki is leaving, we had a really poor window last summer but overall his hit rate is second to none during his time here, he's been a massive part of our continued success and in my eyes txiki will almost be as hard to replace as Pep will be.

Viana has a tough job ahead of him. Doesn't have the track record and experience behind him you'd perhaps expect but they've obviously seen enough from him to put their trust in him so that's good enough for me.

Now for them to work together and go and get a few superstars lined up for next summer as a joint goodbye/welcome. Musiala would be a phenomenal way to get the new era underway. Hint, hint.

 

[bennyboy]

I remember when he played for Newcastle.

 

[Boo or Boo-urns]

In before the media write "Newcastle flop takes control at City."

 

[Colin Bells Boots]

If it was the Rags we’d be getting briefings about them interviewing the “best in class” for the next 10 months.

But no mention of the clear rejections they had received during the process - scruffy jim stlye.

 

[Alan Harper's Tash]

This process began months ago and has seen important developments in recent weeks, having been monitored from the beginning by Sporting CP's management.

months ago? wow

It adds up when you look at Txiki’s position. We managed to persuade him not to “retire” at 55 and he’s going now he’s 60.

I assume he told the club in the summer and we’ve carried out our due process to find his replacement without any kind of leak.

 

[deano ou812]

When does he take over did I see January or is it end of season..

 

[Alan Harper's Tash]

When does he take over did I see January or is it end of season..

Seems like the end of the season, but with various meetings beforehand to help smooth the transition.

 

[cleavers]

Interesting that City's statement says "will stand down from his full time role", made me wonder if he's going to hang around doing something 'part time'.

 

[ninjamonkey]

Interesting that City's statement says "will stand down from his full time role", made me wonder if he's going to hang around doing something 'part time'.

Felt that was odd wording too. Weirdly specific if hes simply leaving. Wouldn't be surprised if he is to stick around behind the scenes to teach Viana for a year or perhaps he takes up a role within the CFG.

 

[Gorbachev]

I read an article the other day stating that in Portugal, Viana and Amorim's relationship is talked upon as being very similar to what Pep and Txiki have. A symbiotic relationship that just seems to work very well as whole.

Can see this appointment being very similar as to when we appointed Txiki back in 2012 to ultimately help us get Pep as no doubt with Viana's appointment, Amorim will be overwhelmingly the favourite to take over.

 

[wolviedinho]

Could this be another reason why we have not splurged on player acquisition? Let the new man get a feel over the next few months, see how city operates before dipping into the market?

The succession planning is second to none. Proper business, not like the rags, tell the media we are having a meeting next week lol.

Best in class.