Pep Guardiola is reportedly set to bring his trophy-filled decade at Manchester City to an end this weekend, according to multiple reports.
The 55-year-old Spaniard has overseen the most successful period in City’s history since arriving in England in 2016, winning six Premier League titles, the club’s first UEFA Champions League crown and a total of 20 trophies.
Guardiola could still add another league title before departing if City win their remaining matches against AFC Bournemouth and Aston Villa FC while Arsenal FC fail to beat Crystal Palace FC on the final day of the season.
Reports from The Athletic and the Daily Mail claim Guardiola is expected to step down following Aston Villa’s visit to the Etihad Stadium.
However, the club have already scheduled an open-top bus parade through Manchester on Monday to celebrate their FA Cup and League Cup triumphs this season — an event many believe could also serve as Guardiola’s farewell.
Former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca, who previously worked under Guardiola at City, is reportedly among the leading candidates to succeed him.
Guardiola’s Legacy Changed English Football
Although Guardiola still has one year remaining on his contract, speculation surrounding his departure has intensified for months.
After enduring a rare trophyless campaign in the 2024/25 season, City rebounded strongly this year. Saturday’s victory over Chelsea in the FA Cup final secured a domestic cup double, while the club still retain hopes of snatching the Premier League title from Arsenal.
Guardiola arrived in England already regarded as one of Europe’s elite coaches following a hugely successful spell at Barcelona, where he won two Champions League titles and three La Liga crowns between 2008 and 2012.
He later added three Bundesliga titles during his time at Bayern Munich before moving to Manchester City.
What was initially expected to be a short stay evolved into a transformative decade that reshaped English football both tactically and culturally.
Backed by City’s Abu Dhabi ownership, Guardiola turned the club into the dominant force in English football and revolutionised the game with his possession-based style.
His influence extended far beyond City. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta previously served as Guardiola’s assistant, while Arne Slot has credited Guardiola’s Barcelona side for shaping his coaching philosophy.
New Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso also spent part of his playing career under Guardiola at Bayern Munich.
Financial Charges Still Loom Over City
Guardiola’s expected departure also comes amid uncertainty surrounding City’s ongoing legal battle with the Premier League.
The club were charged in February 2023 with more than 100 alleged breaches of financial regulations. An independent commission hearing concluded in December 2024, but a verdict has yet to be announced.
The case continues to cast a shadow over one of the most dominant eras in English football history.
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