Guardiola's Exit: Maresca to Replace City's Legendary Manager

Manchester City will be without Pep Guardiola at the end of the season, marking the end of a decade of dominance at the Etihad. According to sources like The Athletic, BBC, Fabrizio Romano, and David Ornstein, Guardiola will depart the club this summer, with Enzo Maresca, a former Chelsea manager and Guardiola's assistant, set to take over.

Guardiola's contract was due to run until June 2027, but it appears he will leave a year early. City has two remaining matches, against Bournemouth and Aston Villa, with the latter potentially being Guardiola's final game as City's manager. The club still has a chance to secure the title, trailing Arsenal by just two points.

Guardiola has been avoiding concrete answers about his future. When asked if the FA Cup final was his last appearance at Wembley, he briefly acknowledged having another year left on his contract. After defeating Chelsea, he dismissed questions about rumors, responding, "Rumors? I hope you have a good evening."

The timing of Guardiola's departure is sensitive for City, as they await the official outcome of an investigation into over 115 alleged financial rule violations in the Premier League. Additionally, long-time sporting director Txiki Begiristain left the club last season, replaced by Hugo Viana.

Maresca, who has a strong connection with City, having managed the U-21 squad in the 2020/21 season and worked as an assistant under Guardiola, is seen as a natural successor. He previously led Leicester City back to the Premier League and, in 2024, won the UEFA Europa Conference League and the FIFA Club World Cup with Chelsea. However, he left Chelsea in January despite having a contract until 2029.

The Athletic reported in December that Maresca was high on the list of candidates to replace Guardiola. Maresca has reportedly been in talks with City about the position, despite his obligations to Chelsea.