Pep Guardiola is reportedly set to leave Manchester City, with the Spaniard expected to announce his departure during the club’s final Premier League game of the season against Aston Villa at the Etihad Stadium.
According to The Athletic, Guardiola’s current contract runs until 2027 after he signed an extension in November 2024. However, speculation over his long-term future at the club has continued in recent months, despite the renewal appearing to signal stability.
If confirmed, Guardiola’s departure would bring an end to one of the most successful managerial eras in English football history.
Guardiola joined Manchester City in February 2016, signing an initial three-year deal to replace Manuel Pellegrini ahead of the 2016-17 season. While his debut campaign ended without silverware, the first trophyless season of his managerial career, it proved to be an exception rather than the norm.
Under Guardiola, City redefined domestic dominance. The club became the first side in Premier League history to reach the 100-point mark during the 2017-18 campaign, finishing with a record-breaking 106 goals.
His side continued to break milestones in the years that followed. In the 2022-23 season, Manchester City became only the second English club after Manchester United’s 1998-99 side to complete the historic Treble, winning the Premier League, FA Cup and UEFA Champions League in the same campaign.
City then added another remarkable achievement by becoming the first team in English top-flight history to win four consecutive league titles, securing that feat in the 2023-24 season.
The reported exit also comes amid uncertainty surrounding the Premier League’s investigation into more than 115 alleged breaches of financial regulations by Manchester City. The club has strongly denied any wrongdoing, with the case still unresolved.
Maresca emerges as frontrunner
Former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has reportedly emerged as the leading candidate to succeed Guardiola.
Maresca, who left Chelsea four months ago, is no stranger to the Etihad setup. The Italian managed Manchester City’s Under-21 side during the 2020-21 season before returning in 2022 as part of Guardiola’s first-team coaching staff.
His understanding of City’s footballing structure, along with his familiarity with Guardiola’s tactical methods, makes him a natural contender for the role.
Should the reports prove accurate, Manchester City may be preparing for a major transition, marking the end of a transformative chapter under one of football’s most influential managers.
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