Tempting as it might be to draw a straight line between Pep Guardiola’s public displays of stress and the reports in Spain of his divorce from wife Cristina, the only people who can illuminate the precise chronology are the couple themselves.

Spanish newspaper Sport claimed they have been living apart for nearly five years after Ms Serra, 52, moved back to Barcelona to run her fashion company while her husband stayed in the northwest England city.

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has reportedly split from wife Cristina Serra with those close to the couple hinting that the relentless work rate of the manager was a factor