Key Takeaways:
- Pep Guardiola is reportedly set to leave Manchester City after their upcoming clash with Aston Villa at the weekend
- Guardiola’s anticipated exit is believed to end his ten-year tenure, during which the club experienced unparalleled success
- Enzo Maresca has been widely tipped as the primary candidate to succeed Guardiola, following successful spells at Leicester and Chelsea
Guardiola’s Manchester City Era Drawing to a Close
Pep Guardiola is reportedly poised to depart his role as Manchester City manager at the conclusion of the current season. Widespread speculation regarding the Spaniard’s future has persisted throughout the campaign, centring on the possibility of his early exit a year ahead of his contract’s official expiration.
Multiple leading outlets, including the BBC, the Daily Mail, and the Athletic, are now reporting that Manchester City’s fixture against Aston Villa at the weekend is likely to be Guardiola’s final match at the club. The BBC has indicated that staff members and players expect Guardiola to move on, bringing his decade-long stint, marked by extraordinary achievements, to a close.
🚨 Pep Guardiola has informed Manchester City that he will leave the club this summer.
Decision confirmed and official statement to follow as Pep will say goodbye to Man City fans very soon.
Only one name to replace Pep: Enzo Maresca. pic.twitter.com/D6pVvkhN5E
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 18, 2026
Maresca in Pole Position for City Hotseat
Attention has swiftly shifted to the managerial succession, with Enzo Maresca widely regarded as the frontrunner for the role. Maresca previously served as assistant manager to Guardiola between 2022 and 2023 before embarking on a successful managerial path of his own, lifting the Championship, the Conference League, and the Club World Cup with Leicester and Chelsea.
Despite departing Chelsea owing to differences with club executives, Maresca’s standing has only improved, particularly given Chelsea’s struggles following his exit.
