Pep Guardiola has won 17 major trophies – and 20 in all – in his 10-year spell at Etihad Stadium
Manchester City are reportedly preparing for Pep Guardiola’s departure following Sunday’s Premier League fixture against Aston Villa.
Sources indicate to BBC Sport that the esteemed manager is expected to conclude his tenure at the Etihad Stadium at the end of the current season.
While Manchester City maintain that Guardiola is under contract for the upcoming season and express hope for his continued management, preparations for his potential exit are reportedly underway.
It is understood that members of the club’s staff anticipate his departure, prompting discussions on how best to commemorate the era of their celebrated manager.
One option under consideration is the naming of the newly expanded North Stand in honor of Guardiola.
Former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca, who previously served under Guardiola at City, is reportedly a leading candidate to succeed the 55-year-old.
During his decade-long tenure, Guardiola has guided Manchester City to 17 major trophies – 20 in total – including six Premier League titles, one Champions League, three FA Cups, and five EFL Cups.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest managers in football history, Guardiola could potentially conclude his illustrious stint at the Etihad Stadium with a seventh Premier League title, adding to the FA Cup and Carabao Cup already secured this season.
Speculation surrounding Guardiola’s future has persisted for months, frequently arising in press conferences.
When questioned on Friday about whether the FA Cup final at Wembley would be his last visit there, he responded, “No way,” reminding reporters of his “one more year” contract.
In a pre-FA Cup final interview with BBC Sport, when asked if he would remain at the club next season, Guardiola affirmed, “Yeah.”
The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager reiterated, “I am here, I have a contract.”
The same inquiry arose earlier on Monday during a press conference previewing the match against Bournemouth.
Guardiola was asked about Andoni Iraola’s departure from Bournemouth and whether he had contemplated his own farewell.
He responded with a sigh, “Next. So many times – I have one more year.”
He was also questioned about the possibility of the North Stand being named in his honor.
“No, no, no, no, no, no, I have no idea [about] that,” he stated.
“They don’t have to do anything, honestly.”
Guardiola’s legacy of genius will echo through all ages for years to come
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‘I have a contract’ – Guardiola answers question on future
Guardiola initially signed a three-year contract with Manchester City in February 2016, succeeding Manuel Pellegrini at the start of the 2016-17 season.
While he concluded his first season without a trophy – and also went trophyless last season – his Manchester City side has largely dominated English football during his tenure.
Manchester City holds the distinction of being the only team to reach 100 points in a Premier League season, achieving this feat in 2017-18, while also setting the record for the most goals scored in a campaign, with 106.
In 2022-23, Manchester City became only the second English team in history, after rivals Manchester United in 1998-99, to achieve the Treble – winning the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League in the same season.
Guardiola’s Manchester City subsequently became the first team to win the English league title in four consecutive seasons with their triumph in the 2023-24 campaign.
Guardiola signed a two-year contract extension in November 2024, extending his tenure until the end of the 2026-27 season.
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Semenyo magic earns Manchester City FA Cup final win over Chelsea
Guardiola joined Manchester City after three seasons at Bayern Munich, where he secured three consecutive Bundesliga titles and two German Cups.
He commenced his managerial career at Barcelona in 2008, establishing one of the greatest club sides in history – winning three consecutive La Liga titles, two Champions Leagues, and two Copa del Reys before taking a year’s sabbatical following the 2011-12 season.
As a defensive midfielder, Guardiola spent the majority of his playing career at Barcelona, winning six La Liga titles, two Copa del Reys, and the 1991-92 European Cup.
He captained Spain to a gold medal at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics and subsequently made 47 appearances for the senior national side. He retired from professional football in 2006.
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‘This season is extraordinary’ – Guardiola
Should his departure be confirmed, Guardiola would follow several key signings from his era at Manchester City in leaving the club.
Captain and Portugal midfielder Bernardo Silva, as well as England defender John Stones, recently confirmed their departures upon the expiration of their contracts this summer.
Belgium midfielder Kevin de Bruyne, now playing for Napoli, left the Etihad Stadium when his contract concluded last summer, while Brazil goalkeeper Ederson was sold to Turkish side Fenerbahce in September.
Former England right-back Kyle Walker joined Burnley in July, after spending the second half of last season on loan at AC Milan.
Is this the beginning of the end for Guardiola? The signs have certainly pointed to a possible departure in the past week.
On Friday, the manager was asked whether the following day’s visit to Wembley Stadium would be his last – Guardiola said “no way” because he has “one more year [on his contract]”.
But the playful way in which he delivered that line and his quick exit from the room raised a few eyebrows and only added to the mounting speculation.
City won the FA Cup for the third time under Guardiola by beating Chelsea on Saturday and, perhaps significantly, he took a picture holding the trophy with each member of staff one by one.
The cameras also caught him wistfully looking into the distance when the trophy celebrations were taking place on the pitch – was he searching out a family member in the crowd or taking in his final moments at the national stadium?
City have not made any comment on the latest developments and head to Bournemouth on Tuesday, where Guardiola is certain to be asked about his future once again. Will he provide a definitive answer or point to “one more year” as he has done throughout this season?
Guardiola took charge of his 1,000th career game as manager back in November and may bring down the curtain on Sunday by leading City out for the 593rd time – the highest number of games for which any manager has taken charge of City.
It would be a poetic way to bow out, whether the title is won or not.
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