Manchester City are actively preparing for the departure of manager Pep Guardiola at the end of the 2025-26 season, with former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca positioned as the clear frontrunner to take over at the Etihad Stadium.
Guardiola, who has led City since 2016, has informed the club and his players that he will step down following the final Premier League match of the campaign against Aston Villa on Sunday. The Spaniard still has one year remaining on his contract, but the club has been planning for his exit for more than six months.
The 55-year-old leaves behind a transformative legacy, having delivered multiple Premier League titles, the historic 2023 Treble, and consistent domestic and European success. Despite winning the League Cup and FA Cup this season, reports suggest Guardiola is seeking a new challenge amid the intense demands of management at the highest level.
Enzo Maresca, 46, is now in advanced talks to become City’s next manager and is expected to sign a multi-year contract. The Italian spent time at the club as an assistant coach under Guardiola during the 2022-23 season and also enjoyed success with City’s Elite Development Squad. His deep familiarity with the club’s playing style, infrastructure, and backroom staff makes him a natural fit for the Abu Dhabi-owned hierarchy.
Maresca departed Chelsea in January 2026 after a turbulent spell and has been linked with the City job for some time. Sources indicate he has long been the club’s priority target, with no other serious candidates currently under consideration.
The move represents a desire for continuity rather than a radical overhaul. Maresca’s tactical approach is heavily influenced by Guardiola’s philosophy, which should allow for a relatively smooth transition as City look to maintain their status as one of Europe’s elite clubs.
As the 2025-26 season reaches its climax, with City still in contention on multiple fronts, attention will quickly shift to the formal announcement of the new era. Fans have expressed a mixture of emotions — sadness at the end of the Guardiola chapter and cautious optimism about Maresca’s potential to build on the existing foundations.
This story is developing rapidly, with official confirmation expected in the coming days once the current campaign concludes.
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