Guardiola’s City exit: His successor is already known
Manchester City are bracing for Pep Guardiola’s departure after Sunday’s Premier League finale against Aston Villa, with staff and players anticipating the legendary manager will step down, according to BBC Sport.
Although Guardiola has a contract for next season and publicly insists he will stay “I have one more year,” he repeated recently; sources say the club is already planning for his exit. Naming the expanded North Stand after the 55-year-old is among the options being considered.
Former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca, who worked under Guardiola at City, has emerged as the frontrunner to succeed him.
Guardiola has transformed City into a dynasty over 10 years, delivering 17 major trophies including six Premier League titles and the Champions League.
He could still add a seventh league crown to this season’s FA Cup and Carabao Cup.
When asked Friday about his future, Guardiola brushed off speculation. “No way,” he said of a final Wembley visit, reminding reporters of his contract. But behind the scenes, the club is moving forward as if an era is about to end.
