Manchester City are preparing for the possible departure of manager Pep Guardiola following Sunday’s Premier League clash against Aston Villa, despite the club’s insistence that he remains under contract for next season.
Sources told BBC Sport that Guardiola is expected to leave the Etihad Stadium at the end of the current campaign. While City officials remain hopeful that the Spaniard will continue in charge, preparations for life after his exit are already said to be under way behind the scenes.
Reports indicate that several members of staff at the club are working with the understanding that Guardiola’s decade-long reign could soon come to an end. Players within the squad are also believed to be anticipating his departure after the final game of the season against Villa.
The club has reportedly started considering how best to honour Guardiola’s remarkable spell at Manchester City, during which he transformed the side into one of the most dominant teams in English and European football.
Former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca, who previously worked under Guardiola at City, has emerged as the leading candidate to replace the 55-year-old if he eventually steps down.
Since arriving at Manchester City in 2016, Guardiola has guided the club to 17 major trophies and 20 titles overall, including six Premier League crowns, one UEFA Champions League title, three FA Cups and five EFL Cups.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest football managers of all time, Guardiola could still add another Premier League title to his achievements this season, having already secured both the FA Cup and the Carabao Cup.
Speculation over Guardiola’s future has intensified in recent months, although the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss has repeatedly maintained that he intends to stay. Speaking ahead of the FA Cup final, Guardiola dismissed suggestions that it could be his last Wembley appearance, insisting: “No way. I have one more year on my contract.” In a separate interview with BBC Sport, he added: “Yeah, I am here. I have a contract.”
