Manchester City FC are reportedly preparing for the possibility that manager Pep Guardiola could leave the club following Sunday’s Premier League clash against Aston Villa FC.
According to reports, several figures within the club now expect Guardiola’s remarkable tenure at the Etihad Stadium to come to an end once the current season concludes, despite the Spaniard still having a contract that runs into next season.
City officials are said to remain hopeful that Guardiola will stay on. However, preparations linked to a possible managerial transition are already believed to be underway behind the scenes.
Sources indicate that members of the playing squad and club staff increasingly anticipate Guardiola’s departure after the final game of the campaign, while discussions have reportedly begun over how to honour one of the most successful managers in the club’s history.
Among the ideas being considered is naming the newly expanded North Stand after Guardiola in recognition of his achievements at the club.
Former Chelsea FC manager Enzo Maresca, who previously worked under Guardiola at City, has reportedly emerged as the leading candidate to replace him.
Since arriving in Manchester a decade ago, Guardiola has transformed City into one of Europe’s dominant football powers, collecting 17 major trophies and 20 overall.
His honours include six Premier League titles, a UEFA Champions League crown, three FA Cups, and five EFL Cups.
The 55-year-old is widely regarded as one of football’s greatest managers and could still finish the season with another Premier League title to add to this year’s FA Cup and Carabao Cup successes.
Questions surrounding Guardiola’s future have intensified throughout the season, with journalists repeatedly asking him about speculation regarding a possible departure.
Ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup final, Guardiola dismissed suggestions that the match could mark his final appearance at Wembley.
“No way,” he said, reminding reporters that he still had “one more year” remaining on his deal.
In another interview before the final, Guardiola again insisted he intended to remain at City.
“Yeah,” he replied when asked if he would still be at the club next season. “I am here, I have a contract.”
He repeated the same message during a press conference on Monday while previewing City’s trip to Bournemouth.
When asked whether he had considered his farewell from the club, Guardiola responded with visible frustration, saying: “So many times — I have one more year.”
The City manager also played down reports that the North Stand could be renamed in his honour.
“They don’t have to do anything, honestly,” he said.
Despite Guardiola’s public stance, uncertainty continues to surround his long-term future as Manchester City quietly prepare for what could become the end of one of the most successful managerial eras in Premier League history.
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