Pep Guardiola is set to leave Manchester City at the end of the season, one year before his contract expires, with former assistant Enzo Maresca expected to take over. The news confirms months of speculation that Maresca would succeed Guardiola at the Etihad.
Guardiola, who joined City in 2016, has won six Premier League titles, the Champions League, three FA Cups, five League Cups and a FIFA Club World Cup. His departure leaves huge shoes to fill, but Maresca, who previously served as Guardiola's assistant and coached the club's youth team, is seen as a natural successor.
The Catalan manager had grown frustrated with persistent questions about his future and Maresca's potential appointment. In January, when asked about rumours that Maresca would replace him, Guardiola responded: 'You want to fire me? My salary is so high, so I have one more year.'
Pressed further on whether he intended to see out his contract, Guardiola said: 'Oh my God. I have a contract, I've said it a thousand million times. I know you are bored of me, 10 years here. You want [me to leave]? Yeah, I'm pretty sure of that.'
Despite his earlier defiance, Guardiola will now step down one year early, leaving Maresca with the task of replicating his mentor's success. It remains unclear whether Guardiola will assist in the transition.
