Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is set to bring his decade-long reign at the club to an end this weekend, according to multiple reports.
Guardiola, 55, has enjoyed one of the most successful managerial spells in football history, winning six Premier League titles and delivering Manchester City’s first UEFA Champions League trophy among 20 total honours since joining in 2016.
The club could yet add another trophy before the season ends if they win their remaining fixtures against Bournemouth and Aston Villa, while Arsenal fail to win their final match against Crystal Palace.
Reports from The Daily Mail and The Athletic suggest Guardiola will step down after City’s home match against Aston Villa at the Etihad Stadium.
Manchester City have not officially commented on the speculation.
However, the club has scheduled a victory parade in Manchester on Monday to celebrate their FA Cup and League Cup successes, a move many observers believe could double as a farewell event for the manager.
Former Chelsea assistant coach Enzo Maresca has been widely linked as a potential successor.
Guardiola still has one year remaining on his contract, but rumours of his departure have circulated throughout the season following what would be his first trophyless campaign in seven years in 2024/25.
Despite that setback, City have bounced back strongly, with a domestic cup double already secured after defeating Chelsea in the FA Cup final.
A league title remains within reach, which would further cement Guardiola’s dominance in English football.
Before arriving at City, Guardiola built his reputation at Barcelona, where he won two Champions League titles and three La Liga crowns between 2008 and 2012, before adding three Bundesliga titles at Bayern Munich.
His arrival in England was initially expected to be a short stint, but it evolved into a transformative era for English football, with City becoming the dominant force in the Premier League.
Under his influence, possession-based football has reshaped coaching philosophies across England, inspiring managers such as Mikel Arteta at Arsenal, Arne Slot at Liverpool, and Xabi Alonso, among others.
The timing of his possible exit also comes amid ongoing uncertainty surrounding Premier League investigations into more than 100 alleged financial rule breaches by Manchester City.
The case, first brought in February 2023, concluded its independent hearing in December 2024, with a final verdict still pending.
If confirmed, Guardiola’s departure would mark the end of one of the most influential managerial eras in modern football history.
