After a decade of remarkable success, Pep Guardiola is widely expected to step down as Manchester City’s manager.
Although the club has not officially confirmed the reports circulating on Monday evening, many people connected with City believe an announcement could arrive before the Premier League season concludes. Guardiola’s representatives have not yet responded to requests for comment.
According to reports, former City assistant coach Enzo Maresca, who became available after departing Chelsea in January, is the leading candidate to take over. Manchester City still have two crucial matches remaining, beginning with an away fixture against Bournemouth on Tuesday. Victories in both games would keep alive their hopes of overtaking Arsenal and securing another Premier League title, completing a domestic treble. Arsenal, however, will clinch the championship if they defeat Crystal Palace on Sunday.
Guardiola recently guided City to another FA Cup triumph, defeating Chelsea 1-0 at Wembley on Saturday. Earlier in March, he also added a fifth League Cup to his collection with the club.
During his time in Manchester, Guardiola has transformed City into one of Europe’s dominant teams. Under his leadership, the club captured six Premier League titles, one UEFA Champions League trophy, the FIFA Club World Cup, the UEFA Super Cup, and three Community Shields.
He joined Manchester City from Bayern Munich on 1 July 2016. After finishing third in his debut Premier League campaign, Guardiola faced criticism and even admitted following a loss to Leicester City that he was “not a coach for the tackles.” Despite that difficult start, City went on to dominate English football, winning six league titles in seven seasons.
That extraordinary run began with a record-breaking 100-point Premier League campaign. The following season, Guardiola’s side achieved a domestic treble, and in 2023 they completed another historic year by winning the Premier League, Champions League, and FA Cup.
