ETIHAD TO WORSE

Season of failure was not in script for Guardiola's big send-off

- BY JEREMY CROSS

THE plan was for Pep Guardiola to go out in a blaze of glory.

To win another Premier League title and Champions League crown, to add the final gloss to his sparkling legacy at Manchester City before handing over the reins, despite having a year left on his deal.

Returning from the cold and darkness of the Arctic Circle with his tail between his legs was not supposed to precede him riding into the sunset.

But even those touched with greatness like Guardiola are not immune from failure.

Guardiola must feel like he’s been hit by a snowplough.

In the space of less than a week, his team has been humiliated twice.

Not content with being embarrassed in the Manchester derby, City headed off to the Arctic Circle and suffered a complete meltdown.

It will be a night the minnows of Bodo/Glimt will never forget.

And it’s safe to assume the same goes for Guardiola as well.