Report: Pep Guardiola to leave Man City with replacement already decided
Pep Guardiola Exit Claim Puts Enzo Maresca in Manchester City FrameManchester City could be approaching the end of an era, with talkSPORT reporting that several well placed sources believe Pep Guardio...
Report: Pep Guardiola to leave Man City with replacement already decided Pep Guardiola Exit Claim Puts Enzo Maresca in Manchester City Frame Manchester City could be approaching the end of an era, with talkSPORT reporting that several well placed sources believe Pep Guardiola will leave the Etihad this summer. Although City insiders point to Guardiola having one year left on his contract, the expectation around the club appears to be shifting. After ten extraordinary years, 19 trophies and a standard of dominance rarely seen in English football, the suggestion is that his departure could come this week.
Guardiola’s reaction after Saturday’s FA Cup final win over Chelsea only intensified speculation. He reportedly walked out of interviews with talkSPORT and TNT Sports when asked about his future, a response that felt significant given the timing and context. Maresca lined up for Etihad role The major development is that Enzo Maresca has already agreed to succeed Guardiola, according to talkSPORT.
The Italian left Chelsea in January and, having previously worked at City as part of Guardiola’s coaching structure, represents a familiar and logical successor. Maresca is understood not to have left Chelsea with the City job already guaranteed. The report states that the opportunity was not lined up until the March international break.
Photo IMAGO That detail matters. It suggests City’s succession planning has accelerated in recent months, rather than being a long settled arrangement. Guardiola’s legacy already secure Guardiola arrived in Manchester in 2016 after spells with Barcelona and Bayern Munich.