Manchester City are reportedly preparing for the possible departure of legendary manager Pep Guardiola at the end of the season, despite the Spaniard insisting he still has a year remaining on his contract.
According to reports, senior figures within the club now expect Guardiola to leave following Sunday’s crucial Premier League clash against Aston Villa, which could mark the end of one of the most successful managerial eras in English football history.
Although City officials continue to publicly maintain that Guardiola remains contracted for next season and are hopeful he will stay, preparations for his anticipated exit are already believed to be underway behind the scenes at the Etihad Stadium.
Sources close to the club indicate that several members of staff have been operating under the assumption that Guardiola’s decade-long spell in Manchester is nearing its conclusion. Members of the squad are also reportedly expecting the 55-year-old to announce his departure after the final game of the campaign.
The club are also said to be considering ways to honour Guardiola’s extraordinary legacy, with discussions reportedly including the possibility of naming the newly expanded North Stand at the Etihad after him.
Former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has emerged as the leading candidate to succeed Guardiola. Maresca previously worked under the Spaniard at City and is viewed internally as someone capable of continuing the club’s football philosophy and style.
Guardiola’s tenure at City has transformed the club into a dominant force both in England and Europe. Since arriving in 2016 from Bayern Munich, the former Barcelona coach has won 17 major trophies and 20 titles overall.
His remarkable achievements include six Premier League titles, one UEFA Champions League crown, three FA Cups, and five EFL Cups. City also remain in contention for another league title this season after already securing both the FA Cup and Carabao Cup.
Under Guardiola, City became the first club in Premier League history to accumulate 100 points in a single season during the 2017-18 campaign, while also setting a record for the highest number of goals scored in a season with 106.
In 2022-23, Guardiola guided City to a historic Treble, winning the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League in the same season — only the second English club to achieve the feat after Manchester United in 1999.
The following season, City made history again by becoming the first side to win four consecutive Premier League titles.
Despite growing speculation over his future, Guardiola has repeatedly insisted he remains committed to the club. Speaking ahead of the FA Cup final at Wembley, he dismissed suggestions that it could be his final appearance at the stadium as City manager.
“No way,” Guardiola told reporters. “I have one more year on my contract.”
In another interview before the final, he again stated: “Yeah, I am here. I have a contract.”
The same question resurfaced ahead of Tuesday’s trip to face AFC Bournemouth, but Guardiola appeared increasingly frustrated by the constant speculation.
“So many times — I have one more year,” he said during his press conference.
He also rejected suggestions that a stand at the Etihad could be named after him.
“No, no, no. They don’t have to do anything, honestly,” the Spaniard added.
Still, signs of a possible farewell have continued to fuel speculation. Following City’s FA Cup triumph over Chelsea at Wembley on Saturday, Guardiola was seen posing for individual photographs with club staff members while appearing emotional during the post-match celebrations.
Observers have interpreted the scenes as a possible indication that the celebrated manager may be preparing to bring the curtain down on his historic spell at City.
If Guardiola departs, it would mark the latest in a series of high-profile exits from the club. Veteran midfielder Bernardo Silva and defender John Stones are both expected to leave this summer when their contracts expire.
Belgian playmaker Kevin De Bruyne already left the club last year to join Napoli, while Brazilian goalkeeper Ederson departed for Turkish side Fenerbahçe. Former England defender Kyle Walker also exited after joining Burnley following a loan spell at AC Milan.
Guardiola recently reached another milestone by taking charge of his 1,000th career match as a manager in November. Sunday’s showdown against Aston Villa could become his 593rd and final match in charge of Manchester City — the highest number of games managed by any coach in the club’s history.
Whether he stays or leaves, Guardiola’s impact on Manchester City and world football is widely regarded as one of the greatest managerial legacies the sport has ever witnessed.
