Manchester City are preparing for the expected departure of manager Pep Guardiola at the end of the season, despite the Spaniard insisting he intends to remain at the club.
Sources told BBC Sport that preparations for Guardiola’s exit are already under way behind the scenes at the Etihad Stadium, with staff and players anticipating the end of his 10-year spell in charge. City are also understood to be discussing how best to honour the club’s most successful manager.
City continue to maintain Guardiola is contracted until 2027 and remain hopeful he will stay. However, former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has emerged as the leading candidate to replace him after previously serving on Guardiola’s coaching staff.
Guardiola has transformed City into one of Europe’s dominant clubs, winning 20 trophies during his tenure, including six Premier League titles, the Champions League, three FA Cups and five EFL Cups. He could still add a seventh league title this season after already securing the FA Cup and Carabao Cup.
Speculation over Guardiola’s future has intensified in recent months, although the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager has repeatedly denied plans to leave. Speaking before Saturday’s FA Cup final, Guardiola insisted he still intends to remain at City next season, saying: “Yeah. I am here, I have a contract.”
Oluwagbemisola Babalola
