Manchester City Prepare for Possible Guardiola Exit
Pep Guardiola insists he remains under contract, but Manchester City are reportedly making plans for his potential departure at the end of the season, with Enzo Maresca emerging as a leading replacement candidate.
- Club staff and players reportedly expect Guardiola to leave after the final league game.
- Former City assistant Enzo Maresca is viewed as the frontrunner to replace him.
- Guardiola has won 17 major trophies during his 10-year spell at Manchester City.
Sources close to the club say there is growing expectation internally that Guardiola could leave after Sunday’s Premier League clash against Aston Villa, which would bring an end to his remarkable decade-long spell at the Etihad Stadium.
While City officials still hope Guardiola stays, preparations for a potential managerial transition are already underway. Staff members and players are believed to be anticipating his exit, and discussions have reportedly begun about how to honour his legacy at the club.
One idea being considered is naming the newly expanded North Stand at the Etihad after Guardiola in recognition of his achievements.
Former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has emerged as the leading candidate to replace Guardiola. Maresca previously worked as part of Guardiola’s coaching staff at City before moving into management.
Since arriving in 2016, Guardiola has transformed Manchester City into one of Europe’s dominant football powers. During his tenure, he has guided the club to 17 major trophies, including six Premier League titles, a UEFA Champions League crown, three FA Cups and five League Cups.
City could still add another league title this season, having already lifted both the FA Cup and Carabao Cup.
Speculation over Guardiola’s future has intensified in recent months, though the 55-year-old has repeatedly insisted he remains committed to the club.
Ahead of the FA Cup final, Guardiola dismissed suggestions it could be his final appearance at Wembley, reminding reporters he still had “one more year” on his contract.
Speaking again before City’s trip to Bournemouth, Guardiola reiterated that he intends to stay, saying: “I am here, I have a contract.”
He also played down reports that the North Stand could eventually bear his name, saying the club did not need to make special tributes in his honour.
