Will Enzo Maresca step into Pep Guardiola's shoes as Manchester City’s next manager?

Manchester City officials are resigned to the departure of manager Pep Guardiola at the conclusion of the current season.

According to a report from ESPN, a major portion of the playing squad and club staff believe Guardiola will step down this summer, concluding a 10-year tenure at the Etihad Stadium. The 55-year-old tactician has consistently deflected inquiries regarding his professional future.

When approached on Monday, sources close to the Manchester club maintained that "nothing has changed." While Guardiola remains under contract until 2027, his current agreement includes a break clause that permits an exit at the end of this campaign. Multiple additional sources have confirmed that his departure is widely anticipated.

Club executives remain eager to prevent external distractions while the team remains active in the Premier League championship race, and they have not yet issued an official confirmation regarding Guardiola's status.

Title Pressures and Succession Planning

Following Arsenal’s 1-0 victory over Burnley at the Emirates Stadium on Monday, Manchester City must secure a win against Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium on Tuesday. A failure to capture three points will result in Mikel Arteta’s squad being crowned league champions for the first time since 2004.

Sources told ESPN that former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has emerged as Manchester City’s primary target to succeed Guardiola. Maresca parted ways with Chelsea in January and has already been contacted regarding the vacancy at the Etihad, where he previously operated as Guardiola’s assistant coach.

Trophies and Tributes

Guardiola secured his 20th piece of silverware with the franchise Saturday following a 1-0 victory over Chelsea in the FA Cup final.

The organisation has finalised arrangements for a public celebration to parade both the FA Cup and the League Cup—which the club won against Arsenal in March—the day after their final league fixture against Aston Villa.

Additionally, sources told ESPN that Manchester City plans to rename a stadium stand at the Etihad in recognition of Guardiola’s historic achievements.