Viana’s Mission: Replace the Pep-keeo Master…
Good golly gumdrops! Manchester City just waved goodbye to their super-duper sporting director, Txiki Begiristain, the bloke who could persuade a cat to take up dog grooming in his spare time. After 13 action-packed years at the Etihad, the mastermind behind Pep Guardiola’s Manchester escapade sails off into the sunset, leaving a documentary lineup that resembles a football edition of “This is Your Life”. Even Erling “Thunder Feet” Haaland chimed in to serenade the departing genius. Will City be able to fill his shoes, or is this a case of Cinderella without her slipper?
In blows Hugo Viana from Sporting like a runaway football with his hair on fire. City fans are hoping this lad can juggle the hot potato tossed his way — namely, the colossal task of keeping Guardiola in town. Begiristain was the one who lured the Catalan wizard to the rainy streets of Manchester with whispers of Premier League glory. During a heartfelt carry-on with CEO Ferran Soriano, Begiristain humorously declared, “I need a rest from Pep’s contract rollercoaster!” Bet you he’s dreaming of basking on a beach, nary a contract clause in sight.
While Pep’s locked in until 2027 — unless Mr. Viana channels his inner Houdini — City fans are on tenterhooks. Will the new director draft the next sackload of superstars or will his crowning achievement be picking the next footballing mastermind to follow in Pep’s animated footsteps? With so much drama, it feels more like a soap opera than a football saga. And all eyes are on Hugo to bring the next plot twist to the blue side of Manchester. Hold onto your hats — the football circus is in town, and it’s only just beginning!
