Pep Guardiola Set to Leave Manchester City
Multiple reports suggest that Pep Guardiola will be ending his decade-long tenure as manager of Manchester City this weekend. The 55-year-old has had a highly successful spell with the club, winning six Premier League titles, the Champions League, and a total of 20 trophies since taking over in 2016.
If City wins their final two matches against Bournemouth and Aston Villa, and Arsenal fails to beat Crystal Palace, Guardiola could add another trophy to his collection. According to the BBC, Guardiola will step down after the Aston Villa match. Manchester City has made no official comment on the speculation.
A Fitting Farewell
The club has arranged a parade through Manchester on Monday to celebrate their League Cup and FA Cup triumphs this season, which could serve as a farewell to Guardiola. Former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca, who previously worked under Guardiola at City, is reportedly in line to take over next season. Although Guardiola has a year remaining on his contract, rumors about his potential departure have circulated for months.
A Successful Tenure
After a trophyless season in 2024/25, City has bounced back under Guardiola’s leadership. Their victory over Chelsea in the FA Cup final completed a domestic cup double, and they are still in contention for a seventh league title in nine years. Guardiola arrived in England with an impressive reputation, having won two Champions Leagues and three La Liga titles during his four-year spell at Barcelona.
Transforming the English Game
Guardiola’s influence has transformed the English game at all levels over the past decade. With the backing of Abu Dhabi royalty, City has become the dominant force in England, surpassing local rivals Manchester United. Guardiola’s brand of passing football has been widely adopted, from grassroots to the elite level, with even City’s competitors turning to his disciples to catch up.
Looking Ahead
The timing of Guardiola’s exit coincides with the outcome of an investigation into alleged breaches of financial regulations by City, which is still pending. The club was first charged by the Premier League in February 2023, and an independent commission hearing concluded in December 2024.
