Pep Guardiola is expected to leave Manchester City after a decade of unprecedented success, with reports suggesting his final game in charge will be the Premier League season finale against Aston Villa on Sunday. The club has not officially confirmed the news, but sources indicate an announcement could come before the end of the campaign. Guardiola's camp has been contacted for comment.
Guardiola's Legacy at Manchester City
Guardiola, who took over on 1 July 2016 from Bayern Munich, has transformed City into a dominant force. Under his guidance, the club has won six Premier League titles, one Champions League, three FA Cups, five League Cups, the FIFA Club World Cup, the UEFA Super Cup, and three Community Shields. This season, he added another FA Cup to his collection after a 1-0 victory over Chelsea at Wembley, and earlier secured the League Cup in March.
Potential Successor: Enzo Maresca
Guardiola's former assistant Enzo Maresca, currently out of work after leaving Chelsea in January, is the frontrunner to replace him. Maresca previously worked under Guardiola at City and is expected to continue the club's style of play.
Final Push for the Premier League Title
City face Bournemouth away on Tuesday, needing victories in both remaining matches to have a chance of overtaking league leaders Arsenal and securing a domestic treble. Arsenal will be crowned champions if they beat Crystal Palace on Sunday. Despite the pressure, Guardiola remains focused on the task at hand.
Guardiola's Contract and Future Plans
In November 2024, Guardiola signed a contract extension until 2027, citing the team's poor form as a reason to stay. However, he now appears ready to move on. Before the FA Cup final, he dismissed any sentimentality, stating he still had a year left on his contract and joking about not having a stand named after him at Wembley.
The club is planning a celebration on 25 May in Manchester to honor both the men's and women's teams. The women's side has already won the Women's Super League and could complete a domestic double by beating Brighton in the Women's FA Cup final on 31 May. City also won the FA Youth Cup this season.
Guardiola's departure marks the end of an era for Manchester City, leaving a legacy of relentless success and a blueprint for future managers to follow.
