Manchester City prepares for Guardiola departure as Maresca emerges as successor

Manchester City is actively preparing for the departure of manager Pep Guardiola at the conclusion of the current season, marking the end of a decade-long tenure at the Etihad Stadium. According to sources speaking to BBC Sport, the club anticipates the managerial great will leave following the final Premier League fixture against Aston Villa, despite maintaining that he holds a valid contract for the upcoming season.

While the club remains hopeful that Guardiola will extend his stay, internal preparations for his exit are underway. Members of the coaching staff and the playing squad are understood to be expecting his departure after the final game. The organisation has reportedly shifted its focus toward determining how best to commemorate the achievements of its most decorated manager, who is widely regarded as one of the finest in the sport’s history.

Guardiola, 55, leaves behind a legacy defined by significant domestic and continental success. During his ten years at the club, he has secured 17 major trophies, including six Premier League titles, the Champions League, three FA Cups, and five EFL Cups. In total, he has won 20 trophies since his arrival, having previously managed Barcelona and Bayern Munich.

The club’s current campaign has already seen success, with City securing both the FA Cup and the Carabao Cup this season. Guardiola recently guided the team to an FA Cup victory against Chelsea. The Premier League title race remains open, and the manager could potentially add a seventh league title to his collection if the team performs well in the remaining fixtures.

Attention is now turning to the club’s future leadership. Former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca, who previously worked under Guardiola at Manchester City, is identified as the front-runner to succeed him. Guardiola’s existing contract is scheduled to run until 2027, meaning his anticipated departure would occur one year prior to its expiry.