Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is reportedly preparing to end his successful spell at the club after nearly a decade in charge.
Multiple British media reports on Monday claimed the Spanish coach could step down after City’s final Premier League matches of the season against Bournemouth and Aston Villa.
Guardiola, 55, has enjoyed one of the most successful managerial eras in English football since arriving at Manchester City in 2016.
During his time at the club, he has won six Premier League titles, the UEFA Champions League and several domestic trophies, taking his total silverware haul with City to 20.
The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager could still add another league title to his collection if City win their remaining fixtures and Arsenal fail to secure victory against Crystal Palace on the final day of the season.
Reports by The Daily Mail and The Athletic stated that Guardiola is expected to leave after the Aston Villa clash at the Etihad Stadium.
Manchester City has not officially responded to the speculation surrounding the manager’s future.
However, the club has already scheduled a victory parade in Manchester on Monday to celebrate their League Cup and FA Cup successes, a development many believe could also serve as Guardiola’s farewell celebration.
Former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca, who previously worked under Guardiola at City, is reportedly among the leading candidates being considered as his replacement.
Although Guardiola still has one year left on his current contract, rumours about a possible departure have circulated for several months.
After going without a trophy during the 2024/25 campaign — their first trophyless season in seven years — City have recovered strongly this season.
The club sealed a domestic cup double after defeating Chelsea in the FA Cup final on Saturday and remain in contention for another Premier League title.
Guardiola first gained worldwide recognition during his time at Barcelona between 2008 and 2012, where he won two Champions League trophies and three La Liga titles while transforming the club’s style of play.
He later moved to Bayern Munich, where he secured three consecutive league titles in Germany before joining Manchester City.
His arrival in England marked a major shift in the Premier League, with his possession-based style influencing clubs at all levels of football.
Under Guardiola, City have grown into the dominant force in English football, moving ahead of rivals Manchester United in terms of recent success.
Several top managers across Europe have openly acknowledged his influence on modern coaching methods.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta previously served as Guardiola’s assistant at City, while Liverpool boss Arne Slot has credited Guardiola’s Barcelona side for shaping his football philosophy.
Reports also noted that current Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso once joined Bayern Munich partly to learn from Guardiola during his playing days.
Guardiola’s possible exit also comes while Manchester City continues to await the outcome of an investigation into more than 100 alleged breaches of Premier League financial regulations.
The club was formally charged in February 2023, while hearings before an independent commission concluded in December 2024.
The unresolved case has continued to cast attention on City’s achievements during Guardiola’s reign.
(AFP)
