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Manchester City are preparing for the possible departure of manager Pep Guardiola at the end of the season, despite the club maintaining that the Spaniard remains under contract for another year.
According to reports, preparations are already underway at the Etihad Stadium amid growing expectations that Guardiola could leave after Sunday’s Premier League clash against Aston Villa.
Members of the coaching setup and playing squad are understood to be anticipating his exit, while the club is also considering ways to honour his remarkable spell in Manchester.
One proposal reportedly being discussed is naming City’s newly expanded North Stand after Guardiola, who has overseen the most successful era in the club’s history.
Former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca, a former Guardiola assistant at Manchester City, is said to be the frontrunner to succeed the 55-year-old if he decides to step down.
Guardiola has, however, repeatedly dismissed speculation surrounding his future, insisting he still has a valid contract with the club.
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“I am here, I have a contract,” Guardiola said when asked about his plans beyond this season.
The Spaniard, who joined City from Bayern Munich in 2016, has transformed the club into one of football’s dominant forces. During his decade-long tenure, he has delivered 17 major trophies, including six Premier League titles, the UEFA Champions League, three FA Cups and five League Cups.
Under Guardiola, Manchester City also became the first English club to win four consecutive Premier League titles and completed a historic Treble-winning campaign in the 2022–23 season.
Speculation over Guardiola’s future comes at a time of significant change within the squad. Several prominent players linked to City’s recent success, including Kevin De Bruyne, Ederson, Kyle Walker, Bernardo Silva and John Stones, have either departed or are expected to leave.
Despite mounting reports, Manchester City have yet to issue an official statement on Guardiola’s future, leaving uncertainty over whether one of the most successful managerial reigns in modern football is approaching its final chapter.
