Pep Guardiola is expected to leave Manchester City this summer after a trophy-laden decade at the Etihad Stadium. Reports around the club say the Catalan manager is set to bring his time in charge to an end after the final Premier League match of the season against Aston Villa.
Guardiola has been in charge of City for 10 years and has won 20 trophies with the club. His honours include six Premier League titles, three FA Cups, five League Cups and the Champions League, along with a domestic treble in 2019 and a league, cup and Champions League treble in 2023.
City prepare for life after Guardiola
There is growing expectation that Guardiola’s departure is approaching, with staff and players said to believe he will announce his decision after the season ends. City have not confirmed the reports, but the mood around the club has shifted towards the end of one of the most successful managerial spells in their history.
The club are also understood to be considering how best to recognise Guardiola’s tenure. His impact at City has been wide-reaching, with the side becoming the dominant force in English football across much of his time at the Etihad.
Guardiola’s contract was due to run until June 2027, having last signed fresh terms in November 2024. Even so, the expectation is that he will not see out the full deal if the reported departure goes ahead.
Maresca emerges as the leading name
Enzo Maresca is expected to replace Guardiola if the move is completed. The former Chelsea boss has already been linked with the job, and reports say he has agreed to succeed Guardiola as Manchester City manager.
Maresca previously worked at City as a coach in the development squad and later on Guardiola’s staff. He then moved on to Leicester, where he won the Championship title, before taking charge at Chelsea and leaving the club in January.
Other names have also been mentioned in connection with the role, including Vincent Kompany and Pep Lijnders, but Maresca appears to be the front-runner in the succession plan being reported.
A defining era at the Etihad
Guardiola’s time at City has reshaped the club’s modern identity. Since arriving in 2016, he has overseen sustained domestic success and added European silverware, leaving a record that has placed him among the most successful managers in football.
After City’s FA Cup win over Chelsea, Guardiola spoke about the future being bright and reflected on the number of trophies won during his decade at the club. Those remarks now sit alongside the growing expectation that this season will be his last in charge.
City still have the final game of the campaign to complete, but attention is already turning to what comes next. If Guardiola does step down after Aston Villa, Manchester City will move into a new chapter with a managerial change that would end an era at the Etihad.
