Pep Guardiola will leave his role as manager of Manchester City at the end of the season, bringing to a close one of the most successful managerial reigns in Premier League history.
Multiple reports indicate that Guardiola has decided to step down this summer after guiding City to both the FA Cup and Carabao Cup this season. Saturday’s FA Cup victory over Chelsea marked the 20th major trophy of the Spaniard’s glittering 10-year spell at the Etihad Stadium.
Former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca is now expected to replace Guardiola at City, just months after leaving Stamford Bridge in January.
Maresca, who previously served as part of Guardiola’s coaching staff at City, is understood to have informed Chelsea officials that he had been in talks with City representatives regarding the managerial position.
Guardiola’s current contract was set to run until June 2027 after he signed an extension in November 2024. Despite growing speculation over his future in recent months, City had remained hopeful that the veteran tactician would stay for at least another season.
The 55-year-old leaves behind an extraordinary legacy at City, having won six Premier League titles and delivered the club’s first-ever UEFA Champions League crown in 2023.
City still have two matches remaining this season against Bournemouth and Aston Villa, with the latter fixture on May 24 potentially becoming Guardiola’s farewell game at the Etihad. The defending champions are currently trailing league leaders Arsenal by two points in the title race.
Interestingly, Guardiola had dismissed questions surrounding his future before and after Saturday’s FA Cup final. Asked whether the Wembley trip could be his last as City manager, he responded: “One more year of contract.”
After the final, he brushed off speculation once again, saying: “Rumours? Have a lovely evening.”
Guardiola’s departure also comes as Manchester City continue to await the outcome of investigations into more than 115 alleged breaches of Premier League financial regulations — allegations the club strongly denies.
