Pep Guardiola prepares to leave Manchester City; Enzo Maresca should take over

Pep Guardiola will reportedly step down as Manchester City manager this summer, ending a decade-long tenure.

Former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca is set to succeed the Catalan tactician, according to The Athletic.

Guardiola’s imminent departure follows Manchester City’s recent FA Cup victory over Chelsea, marking the 55-year-old’s 20th major trophy since joining the Etihad in 2016.

Although his current contract runs until June 2027, The Athletic reports that Guardiola is preparing to step down after City’s final two matches of the season against Bournemouth and Aston Villa.

The transition process

The transition process appears to be well underway.

The Athletic previously reported in December that Maresca was on City’s radar, later revealing that the Italian had explicitly informed the Chelsea hierarchy that he was in discussions regarding the job before his departure from Stamford Bridge in January.

Enzo Maresca will take over at Manchester City. (Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)

Maresca, 46, is a familiar face at the Etihad, having previously coached City’s under-21s and served as a first-team assistant under Guardiola during the 2022-23 season.

Maresca recently enjoyed a very successful spell at Chelsea, securing Champions League qualification as well as Club World Cup and Conference League titles before parting ways with the London club.

Release time

Guardiola’s departure comes at a critical time for Manchester City.

City are still awaiting the verdict and possible sanctions relating to more than 115 alleged breaches of the Premier League’s financial regulations, charges which the club strongly denies.

Additionally, former director of football Txiki Begiristain left Man City last season, ushering in a whole new era of leadership.

Guardiola could still end on a high note; City are currently two points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal with two matches remaining.