Pep Guardiola is expected to leave Manchester City after 10 trophy-filled years as manager, with reports suggesting his final match could be against Aston Villa on the last day of the Premier League season. The club has not confirmed the departure, but figures close to City anticipate an announcement before the season ends. Guardiola’s camp has been approached for comment.
His former assistant Enzo Maresca, currently out of work after leaving Chelsea in January, is tipped to replace him. City face Bournemouth away on Tuesday and must win both remaining games to keep their title hopes alive, trailing leaders Arsenal. Arsenal will be crowned champions if they beat Crystal Palace on Sunday.
Guardiola has enjoyed immense success at City, winning six Premier League titles, a Champions League, three FA Cups, five League Cups, the FIFA Club World Cup, the UEFA Super Cup, and three Community Shields. He joined the club in July 2016 from Bayern Munich and, after a third-place finish in his first season, went on to win the league six times in seven years, including a record 100-point season and a domestic treble.
In November 2024, Guardiola signed a contract extension to 2027, citing poor form as his reason for staying. “I didn’t want to let the club down,” he said. Before the FA Cup final, he dismissed suggestions of sadness at a potential final Wembley appearance, joking about wanting a lounge named after him.
A celebration event is planned for 25 May in Manchester, honouring both the men’s and women’s teams. The women’s side won the Women’s Super League and could secure a domestic double in the FA Cup final on 31 May. City also won the FA Youth Cup this season.
