Manchester City is gearing up for the departure of trophy-laden manager Pep Guardiola following the final match of the season against Aston Villa. According to sources from the BBC, the legendary coach is expected to leave the club at the end of the season.

Despite City’s management repeatedly emphasizing that Guardiola has a contract for another season and that they all hope he will remain at the Etihad, sources within the coaching staff say that the 55-year-old manager is expected to leave after the last match of the season. The club is focused on how best to commemorate the tenure of its most decorated manager.

This summer, the club will also lose the legendary player and captain Bernardo Silva, as well as John Stones, upon the expiration of their contracts. British media reports suggest that the first candidate for the new manager is former Chelsea coach Enco Maresca.

Guardiola took over Manchester City a decade ago and has won a total of 20 trophies, including six Premier League titles and the Champions League. This season, the team has already won the League Cup and FA Cup and still has a chance to secure the Premier League title if they defeat Bournemouth on Tuesday.

Throughout the season, the media has frequently questioned Guardiola about his potential departure. In a recent press conference before the FA Cup final, he was asked if this could be his last visit to Wembley.

"No chance," Guardiola replied, reminding everyone that he has a contract for another year. When asked in an interview with the BBC if he would be City’s manager next season, he responded, "Yes, I am here, I have a contract."

Guardiola signed a three-year contract with City in February 2016 and took over the team at the start of the 2016/2017 season. Despite ending a season without a trophy for the first time in his career, City began dominating English football. City became the first team to score 106 goals in a Premier League season (2017/2018) and the first to win four consecutive Premier League titles (2023/2024).

In November 2024, Guardiola extended his contract for two more years, but it seems the end of an era is near.