Pep Guardiola is set to depart Manchester City at the conclusion of the current season, bringing an end to a remarkable 10-year stint that yielded 20 major trophies, including six Premier League titles and the club's first Champions League crown in 2023. Multiple sources have confirmed that the Catalan manager is preparing to leave, with former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca emerging as the frontrunner to take over the reins at the Etihad Stadium.
Who Will Replace Pep Guardiola at Manchester City?
Enzo Maresca has become the clear favorite to succeed Pep Guardiola. The Athletic first reported in December that the Italian was high on City's shortlist, as the club quietly accepted Guardiola's departure was imminent. Maresca had spoken to City representatives about the role on at least two separate occasions before leaving Chelsea on January 1, despite holding a contract until 2029.
The 46-year-old is no stranger to Manchester City. He managed the club's Under-21 side during the 2020-21 season and later returned as a first-team assistant under Guardiola in 2022. His head coaching record speaks volumes: he guided Leicester City to promotion to the Premier League, then led Chelsea to Champions League qualification while also winning the Conference League and Club World Cup in his debut season. His tenure at Stamford Bridge ended abruptly, but the path back to Manchester had always been signposted.
Guardiola, meanwhile, deflected questions about his future with characteristic brevity. When asked before the FA Cup final whether it would be his last trip to Wembley as City manager, he replied simply, "One more year of contract." After the win over Chelsea, a TNT Sports reporter pushed him again. "Rumours?" he responded, before walking off. "Have a lovely evening."
What Does Pep Guardiola's Exit Mean for Manchester City's Future?
City's timing here is complicated. The club still faces the long-running Premier League investigation into more than 115 alleged financial breaches, with no verdict yet delivered. City deny all charges. Director of football Txiki Begiristain, a key Guardiola ally, left last summer, with Sporting CP's Hugo Viana now in his place. The architecture around Guardiola has already shifted.
On the pitch, City have not been the dominant force of recent years. They finished 13 points behind Liverpool last season, were eliminated from the Club World Cup by Al Hilal, and began this calendar year with four consecutive Premier League games without a win. The FA Cup and Carabao Cup have provided some relief, but the consistency that defined their peak years has been harder to find.
The final home game of the season against Aston Villa on May 24 could still deliver a title. Whether it does or not, it will mark the end of a managerial tenure unlike anything English football has seen. Stay updated with the latest IPL Live Score, IPL news on Times of India. Follow the IPL Schedule, check the IPL Points Table, and track the race for the IPL Orange Cap and IPL Purple Cap.
About the Author
Prantik Prabal Roy is a passionate sports writer who eats, breathes, and lives the game. Since 2020, he has been in the content writing industry after completion of his Master's degree in English literature and covering the NFL since 2024 with sharp insights, while also diving into the NHL and MLB with equal enthusiasm. He loves crafting content that drives traffic without sacrificing quality. He blends storytelling with analysis to keep readers hooked. When he's not writing, Prantik can be found cheering on the Buffalo Bills or diving into books that celebrate the world of sports.
