Pep Guardiola is set to leave Manchester City at the end of the current Premier League season with an announcement of his departure expected this week.
Guardiola arrived at City in 2016 and has won 19 titles with the club including a treble of Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup triumphs in 2022/23 emulating Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United team from 1998/99. The most recent trophies won by Guardiola’s side are the 2025/26 Carabao and FA Cups with City completing a domestic cup double last weekend having beaten Chelsea 1-0 in the FA Cup final at Wembley.
After that game, Guardiola affirmed that he still had one-year left to run on his contract with City, who are also seeking to win the Premier League with two games to go, but rumours have grown over the last 24 hours that the Catalan will be calling time on his City career following this Sunday’s Premier League finale.
Guardiola’s former assistant and ex-Chelsea and Leicester boss Enzo Maresca is the rumoured favourite to replace him in the dugout but speculation will continue until Guardiola’s future is confirmed one way or the other.
Follow all the latest Pep Guardiola news with our live blog below:
Pep Guardiola to leave Man City latest
- Pep Guardiola is expected to leave Manchester City at the end of the season
- Guardiola has one year left on his City contract but club reportedly preparing for his departure
- Enzo Maresca is the favourite to replace Guardiola as City manager
- Maresca has reportedly 'agreed a deal' with City to replace Pep
- Who is the greatest Premier League manager of all time?
Five contenders to replace Pep Guardiola
11:43 , Flo CliffordAndoni Iraola
Andoni Iraola has announced his departure from Bournemouth this summer, where he is to be replaced by Marco Rose, but is yet to announce his own next destination.
The Spaniard spent the majority of his playing career at Athletic Bilbao and had been linked with a return to Spain, either to his former club or simply for a break from management, after a highly successful three years with the Cherries.
Five contenders to replace Pep Guardiola
11:34 , Flo CliffordVincent Kompany
Former Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany would no doubt be a popular pick to replace Guardiola. The Belgian played under him, spending 11 seasons at City, eight of which with the armband.
Since retiring as a player he returned to manage Anderlecht, where he began his playing career, before rising from manager of struggling Burnley to the top job at Bayern Munich, where his all-out attacking style has attracted widespread admiration. However, last October he extended his contract with the German giants until 2029, and he is reportedly content in Munich.
Bayern reached the Champions League semi-finals this season and won another Bundesliga title in dominant fashion.
Five contenders to replace Pep Guardiola
11:25 , Flo CliffordEnzo Maresca
Ex-Chelsea and Leicester boss Enzo Maresca is the clear frontrunner to replace Guardiola and there are even reports circulating that he has already agreed to join the club.
Guardiola’s former assistant, the Italian is well acquainted with his management style and has long been an admirer, and played his own part in City’s treble-winning season of 2022/23, having formerly worked with the club’s academy. Guardiola himself previously called Maresca “one of the best managers in the world”.
He won promotion from the Championship with Leicester and continued that success at Chelsea, winning the Conference League and last summer’s Club World Cup with the Blues before his relationship with the ownership went sour. His somewhat acrimonious exit from Chelsea earlier this season was linked to reports of him being in talks with the City leadership over replacing Guardiola.
Carragher on the leaked news
11:16 , Mike JonesJamie Carragher built on Neville’s thoughts during the Monday Night Football discussion and added: "What that guy has done, what he’s done for the players and what they’ve achieved together. What a way to send him off it would be to win a domestic treble.
“I don’t suppose Manchester City or Pep Guardiola can do anything about the timing. They have to let the club know.
“The next guy coming in, we hear it’s Maresca - he would have to have information about this. He would have staff he would have to speak to.
“The closer you get to the end of the season, the more people that know. Eventually it comes out.
“This wouldn’t have happened overnight, it would have been in the last weeks or months you would imagine. There’s just too many people involved for it not to come out in the end.”
Neville shocked the news leaked
11:08 , Mike JonesGary Neville says he is shocked that the news of Pep Guardiola’s Man City has leaked.
Speaking on Sky Sports he explained: "I'm surprised that it's broken right now. Not just because it's during this match [Arsenal vs Burnley last night] but it's the night before a Man City game. Something like that is gamechanger news.
"I think of being in school and the news of Kenny Dalglish leaving Liverpool, or Six Alex Ferguson leaving Man Utd and Jurgen Klopp leaving Liverpool recently.
"They're just such huge moments in football, and I don't see it's news Man City would let get out or would want out. If it is true, Man City will be extremely disappointed that has broken now and so will Pep Guardiola."
Pep Guardiola’s decade of dominance changed English football – but it also changed him
11:00 , Richard JollyA clue came when Pep Guardiola said part of him would leave with Bernardo Silva. It wasn’t strictly accurate: it turns out all of the Manchester City manager is set to go when his captain departs.
Guardiola’s final season at the Etihad Stadium has taken place with his future providing the backdrop: there have been times when, looking drained, it felt like his last but others when, energised by a new-look team, it felt like he might see out a contract that runs until 2027.
Pep Guardiola’s decade of dominance changed English football but it also changed him
Guardiola 'furious' at news leak
10:53 , Mike JonesThat said, The Sun are reporting this morning that Guardiola is ‘furious’ that the news of his departure has been leaked ahead of tonight’s clash with Bournemouth.
The report also claims that the City boss gathered the squad last night to inform the players in person that he will be leaving.
Guardiola's current deal
10:46 , Mike JonesPep Guardiola’s contract with Manchester City is due to run until June 2027, with the Catalan having last signed fresh terms in November 2024.
He stressed as much ahead of the FA Cup final against Chelsea.
City would not force him to play out the length of the deal after such a remarkable tenure so the decision on when to leave is Guardiola’s.
It is still not confirmed that he is going so there is a bit of hope for City fans that he may stay on.
Arteta jokes he will be ‘the biggest ever’ Bournemouth fan
10:40 , Mike JonesMikel Arteta is ready to become “the biggest ever” Bournemouth fan with his Arsenal team on the brink of Premier League glory.
Arsenal will be crowned champions on Tuesday night – and avoid the anxiety of a final-day shootout – if Bournemouth stop Manchester City from winning at the Vitality Stadium.
When asked if he is now a Bournemouth fan for the next 24 hours, Arteta said: “The biggest ever.
“(Bournemouth manager) Andoni (Iraola), and all the players and all the supporters of Bournemouth, I think we are all fans because we know what it means if they get a result.
“What he’s done in that football club, the transformation, what they are playing for, I don’t think they need anything else. When you look at how Burnley played, the spirit that they show, how difficult they made it, imagine tomorrow.”
Pep Guardiola’s most memorable Man City moments
10:33 , Mike JonesWith Pep Guardiola set to leave Man City this week, here’s a few memorable moments from his tenure at the Etihad Stadium:
Magic from Stones and Kompany (2018-19)
The following season, 2018-19, saw an enthralling title race against Liverpool, decided by the slimmest of margins.
Crucial interventions, such as John Stones’ 11mm goal-line clearance that preserved a 2-1 win over Jurgen Klopp’s Reds, and Vincent Kompany’s late thunderbolt against Leicester, proved pivotal in securing the title by a single point.
Pep Guardiola’s most memorable Man City moments
10:26 , Mike JonesWith Pep Guardiola set to leave Man City this week, here’s a few memorable moments from his tenure at the Etihad Stadium:
Centurions and record-breakers (April-May 2018)
The 2017-18 season culminated in City becoming the Premier League’s first ‘Centurions’ in April and May 2018.
Their first title under Guardiola was confirmed when West Brom beat United, sparking impromptu celebrations.
They quickly refocused, finishing with an astonishing 100 points, 32 wins, 106 goals, and a 19-point margin – all new records that underscored their unprecedented dominance.
Pep Guardiola’s most memorable Man City moments
10:20 , Mike JonesWith Pep Guardiola set to leave Man City this week, here’s a few memorable moments from his tenure at the Etihad Stadium:
Decisive Derby (December 2017)
Domestically, a decisive 2-1 win against Manchester United at Old Trafford that December effectively sealed the title race, silencing early sceptics and moving City 11 points clear, a lead they never looked like giving away.
Pep Guardiola’s most memorable Man City moments
10:13 , Mike JonesWith Pep Guardiola set to leave Man City this week, here’s a few memorable moments from his tenure at the Etihad Stadium:
Napoli statement (October-November 2017)
After a transitional first season, City announced their European ambitions with dominant Champions League victories over Maurizio Sarri’s highly-rated Napoli in October and November 2017.
Guardiola himself described Napoli as one of the best teams he had faced, yet City secured a 2-1 home win and a 4-2 triumph in Italy, gaining wider European credibility.
Pep Guardiola’s most memorable Man City moments
10:07 , Mike JonesWith Pep Guardiola set to leave Man City this week, here’s a few memorable moments from his tenure at the Etihad Stadium:
Selling Joe Hart (Summer 2016)
From the outset, Guardiola demonstrated his uncompromising vision. In the summer of 2016, he controversially sidelined England’s number one goalkeeper, Joe Hart, deeming him unsuitable for his possession-based style.
This ruthless decision, initially questioned when replacement Claudio Bravo struggled, was ultimately vindicated by the arrival of Ederson, establishing a new cultural standard for the club.
Guardiola on City's future
10:00 , Mike JonesPep Guardiola has not addressed his own future expect to reiterate that he has another year on his current contract.
But, following the FA Cup final win he did speak about what he sees in the future for his players.
"The future is bright," he said. "I know the guys, I know how they feel, the commitment for the club, very professional.
“I'm pretty sure we'll be there in the next years."
Guardiola on his success
09:54 , Mike JonesFollowing last weekend’s FA Cup win over Chelsea, Pep Guardiola took a moment to reflect on his tenure at Manchester City.
“Yeah, of course, 19 titles in 10 years is not bad,” he mused.
“They [the fans] know they don't need to wait until I'm leaving, they know I have been fun.
“So 19 titles – fight for 20 in 10 years – it's not bad, honestly.”
When will Maresca return to management?
09:48 , Mike JonesSince leaving Chelsea back in January, Enzo Maresca has not managed any club.
However, he spoke to Sky Sport Italia recently about his return to management but avoiding mentioning Manchester City.
"I feel ready for the next chapter, that is the most important thing," Maresca said.
"What matters, regardless of the club, is being ready.
“There are only a few weeks left until the end of the season, then we'll see what happens."
How irreplaceable Pep Guardiola turned Manchester City into era-defining winning machine
09:42 , Richard JollyBernardo Silva was counting his medals. “Since I arrived it has been 20, so it is not bad,” said the Manchester City captain. There may yet be a 21st before he departs, with a Premier League title to pursue.
The 20th was the first and last FA Cup Silva will lift as skipper. In the grand litany of things Pep Guardiola has won, it is unlikely to prove the most memorable, the delectable winner from Antoine Semenyo apart. There was a routine feel to it, but then Guardiola has made winning feel part of the routine.
How irreplaceable Guardiola turned Manchester City into era-defining winning machine
Maresca 'agrees' to replace Pep
09:35 , Mike JonesEnzo Maresca’s name is at the very top of possible replacements for Pep Guardiola in rumours going back all the way to January.
Fabrizio Romano is reporting that there is even a ‘verbal agreement’ in place between Maresca and the club over a potential three year deal.
🚨🔵 BREAKING: Enzo Maresca has a total verbal agreement with Manchester City, HERE WE GO!
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 19, 2026
The Italian manager has always been considered the ideal candidate to replace Pep Guardiola.
Deal in place and Maresca will sign an initial three year deal at #MCFC. 🇮🇹
New era, soon. pic.twitter.com/njb3sXRl7w
Who will replace Guardiola?
09:33 , Mike JonesIn his conversation with Betfair Alan Shearer was asked who he sees as Guardiola’s replacement.
He said: “If you believe the rumours then Maresca is ready to walk in there at Man City after Pep. Good luck, it will be an incredibly difficult job, we've seen over the years how tough it is to follow a great manager, and Pep is one of the greatest.
“It might give everyone else a chance now, but I'll be sad to see him leave because without a doubt he has been incredible for the Premier League.”
Shearer reacts to Guardiola exit
09:27 , Mike JonesAlan Shearer is one of many football pundits to give his reaction to the news that Pep Guardiola will be leaving Man City.
He spoke to Betfair and called Guardiola one of the greatest the Premier League has ever seen.
“The news has broken that Pep Guardiola looks set to leave Manchester City at the end of the season and I'm not entirely surprised, there have been one or two rumours circulating for a while,” Shearer said.
“What a man, what a manager. He's brought huge, huge success to Manchester City in his own way, in his own style. I know he's had incredible wealth behind it but there's one thing having that and it's another delivering, and that's exactly what he's done.
“He's a lovely guy, certainly down to earth, he's always been very amicable, very open and always willing to have a conversation.
“He's delivered trophy after trophy after trophy, and his teams have been incredible to watch.
“He's been one of the best, if not the best we've ever seen. We didn't think anyone would get near Sir Alex Ferguson, but he has without a doubt, and some will argue that he's even better.”
Guardiola wants to win Premier League again
09:20 , Mike JonesBefore any exit for Pep Guardiola, he and City will have another chance to win the Premier League but they have a tough task on their hands.
They trail Arsenal by five points with two games to go and must win both of their remaining matches.
Ahead of tonight’s clash with Bournemouth Guardiola said: “We have three days, they have ten days to prepare for the game.
“They are playing to qualify for the Champions League. When you arrive in the last fixtures and the opponent doesn’t play for anything it’s easier but that is not the case.
“It is what it is. We know exactly what we have to do. It’s not complicated, we have to win and then against Aston Villa.
“All we want is to be with our people at the end and try to fight for the title and extend it to Aston Villa. To do that we need to beat Bournemouth.”
Maresca tops four name shortlist
09:13 , Mike JonesEnzo Maresca is the clear frontrunner to replace Pep Guardiola and there are even reports out there that he has already agreed to join the club.
However, City have an apparant shortlist of four names with the other three being:
Vincent Kompany,
Andoni Iraola,
Oliver Glasner.
These all make sense as Iraola and Glasner have impressed at Bournemouth and Crystal Palace and are leaving their respective clubs this summer.
Kompany, meanwhile, is a former Man City captain who played under Guardiola and has done a fine job with Bayern Munich who have won the Bundesliga in each of the last two years.
Enzo Maresca favourite to replace Guardiola
09:06 , Mike JonesNaturally when news of a manager’s departure drops speculation in who will replace them begins to rise.
In this case, Enzo Maresca is the favourite to take over at the Etihad Stadium once Guardiola’s exit is confirmed.
Maresca was an assistant to Guardiola during City’s treble winning season of 2022/23 before winning promotion from the Championship with Leicester and claiming the Club World Cup with Chelsea.
Maresca fell out with the Chelsea ownership back in January and was replaced with Liam Rosenior. It was then that rumours began of him being in talks with City to replace Guardiola.
Who is the greatest Premier League manager of all time?
09:00 , Mike JonesWith Guardiola reportedly set to leave Manchester City after a trophy-laden decade at the Etihad, debate is already raging over where he ranks among the Premier League’s managerial greats.
Six league titles, a Champions League and a record-breaking era of dominance have put Guardiola alongside icons such as Sir Alex Ferguson, Arsene Wenger and Jose Mourinho in the conversation – but who comes out on top? Vote in our poll below:
Arteta on Guardiola's possible exit
08:55 , Mike JonesWhen news broke of Pep Guardiola’s potential exit yesterday, Arsenal were preparing for a huge match against Burnley.
They won that 1-0 to keep the destination of the Premier League title in their own hands and Mikel Arteta was asked about Guardiola after the match.
He told Sky Sports: "Once he makes that decision then we can talk about it. Before that, nobody should do it."
When asked if he will be watching City vs Bournemouth tonight in case Andoni Iraola’s men take points off City to hand Arsenal the title he replied: "I don't know, what we have to do is to prepare for the Crystal Palace match in the best possible way. This is the Premier League.
"We know the quality that Andoni has done and the record that they have right now. Everything is possible."
Guardiola's focus is on Bournemouth
08:50 , Mike JonesManchester City take on Bournemouth in the Premier League tonight knowing they need to win to keep their hopes of winning the title alive.
When asked about his possible exit from the club and what he is thinking about, Guardiola replied: “Bournemouth, Bournemouth, Bournemouth.”
He explained: “17 games unbeaten. The run is unbelievable. What they have done with losing three players in the back four from last season that had success and then going 17 games unbeaten is unbelievable.
“The only chance we have is to win so we have to break that run otherwise it will be over. Always they have been difficult. Since last years, they have been tough, tough games.
“Last season in the Premier League it was one of the worst defeats and performances. At the same time, in the quarter-final last season we played really, really good. We will see which face we do tomorrow.”
Pep's honours
08:45 , Mike JonesThe 55-year-old has captured 17 major trophies, and 20 in all, since taking over Man City in 2016, including six Premier League titles, which could still become seven if they can come out on top of an intense title race with Arsenal.
Guardiola also masterminded City’s breakthrough in Europe to claim a first Champions League in 2023, defeating Inter Milan in Istanbul and securing a third European crown as a manager following two triumphs during his legendary stint in charge of Barcelona.
His latest trophy came last weekend, as Antoine Semenyo’s flicked finish ensured City beat Chelsea 1-0 in the FA Cup final, a 19th piece of silverware in Guardiola’s time at the Etihad and a third FA Cup.
Pep Guardiola set for shock Man City exit
08:41 , Luke BakerPep Guardiola will leave Manchester City at the end of the season in a huge move that will spark a seismic shift in the Premier League.
The Spaniard’s exit is set to come after Sunday’s Premier League finale against Aston Villa and will bring an end to one of the most trophy-laden reigns in English football history, following 10 years of dominance in charge at the Etihad Stadium.
For now, Man City maintain Guardiola has a contract for next season and are hopeful he will remain as manager.
What do we know?
08:37 , Mike JonesLet’s start off with the obvious...
As things stand Pep Guardiola remains Manchester City’s manager and has one year left to run on his current contract.
He has fielded plenty of questions from journalists in recent weeks about his possible exit and in each instance insisted that he still had a year left at City.
No official word has dropped about his departure from the club but reports claim that City are preparing for his exit and that an announcement will come this week.
Man City take on Bournemouth in the Premier League tonight so it is likely that any acknowledgement of Guardiola’s leaving will come after that match.
Good morning!
08:33 , Mike JonesIt’s a glum day for Manchester City fans and, well, football fans in general as Pep Guardiola looks set to leave the club at the end of the current season.
Guardiola still has one year remaining on his current deal with City but reports and rumours suggest the club are preparing for his imminent departure.
An announcement of his exit is expected at some point this week ahead of the Premier League finale this Sunday with City also in action tonight as they travel to Bournemouth for their penultimate fixture of the campaign.
We’ll have all the latest news and updates on Guardiola’s future throughout the day so please stick around to find out.
