According to Manchester Evening News, Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak has delivered a confident message in response to the departure of Omar Berrada to Manchester United, emphasizing that such moves will not weaken City's position as a football powerhouse.
Berrada, who served as City’s chief football operations officer, will transition to the role of chief executive at United this summer. Despite this high-profile move, Khaldoon expressed unwavering confidence in City's ability to maintain their stature in English football.
In an interview with the club’s media channels, Khaldoon addressed the trend of City personnel moving to rival clubs, highlighting it as a testament to City's organizational strength and success.
"Proud," Khaldoon responded when asked about the departures. "It tells you we are very good at what we do at every level. Coaching staff, medical staff, physios, senior executives – they are being sought after by the best teams in the world."
He continued, underscoring City's robust systems and leadership: "It confirms that we're on the right track, with great leadership and management that produces talent at every level of the football business."
Reflecting on the departure of key figures like Berrada, Khaldoon acknowledged the inevitability of professionals seeking new challenges but stressed the positive legacy they carry from their time at City.
"The people that we want to keep, we will do everything we can to keep," Khaldoon affirmed. "But it's the natural evolution."
Regarding City's financial stability and growth trajectory, Khaldoon highlighted the club’s impressive financial results, which included record revenues and profits. He attributed this success to a well-established foundation built over years, emphasizing City Football Group’s evolution into a strong global entity.
“I’m very pleased with the results,” Khaldoon remarked. “The model works. We have a great system, a great management team, and a network of great clubs. City Football Group is now a fully-functional sports and entertainment machine that continues to grow.”
Khaldoon issued a warning to City's rivals, including United, asserting that despite personnel changes, City’s overall strength and trajectory remain robust.
“The results are very sustainable,” Khaldoon concluded. “We are on a trajectory that has been there for years now and continues to go from strength to strength.”