Man City Gives Pep Guardiola Choice on Future With Successor Ready

Manchester City management has established an initial strategy for the post-Pep Guardiola era, granting the Spanish manager autonomy over the decision regarding his future at the club.

According to reporting from Fabrizio Romano on April 1, 2026, club officials have identified Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca as the ideal candidate to succeed Guardiola should the manager decide to leave in the summer of 2026 or the following year.

Maresca, who previously served as an assistant to Guardiola at Manchester City, is viewed by the board as a primary choice due to his technical abilities and his deep understanding of the club’s philosophy.

Reports indicate that Maresca has avoided pursuing opportunities at other clubs, such as Manchester United or Tottenham, because of his awareness of the high regard in which he is held by the Manchester City hierarchy and the possibility of returning to the Etihad Stadium in a leadership role.

Contract Status and Managerial Stance

Guardiola is currently under contract until the end of the 2026-27 season, having signed a new deal in November 2024. As of April 1, 2026, reports indicate there is approximately one year remaining on that agreement.

The Manchester City board has expressed full confidence in the manager and has no intention of forcing his departure, leaving the final decision entirely to Guardiola.

Guardiola has maintained a calm approach to the speculation. On December 19, 2025, he stated that he was delighted with his position and noted that while the subject of his departure was not currently on the table, the club must be prepared for any eventuality.

I will not be here eternal here, none of us will be forever in this world but there are no discussions. What is going to happen will happen and the club has to be prepared for everything.

Pep Guardiola, December 19, 2025

Despite the internal succession planning, Guardiola has insisted that he wants to stay and see through his contract, though he has previously mentioned an interest in managing a national team, potentially following a World Cup.

Performance Context and Outlook

The discussions regarding a successor come after a period of mixed results. Manchester City experienced an underwhelming 2024-25 campaign, during which the club failed to win any major domestic silverware for the first time since the 2016-17 season.

However, Guardiola has indicated that he feels reinvigorated during the current term following a summer rebuild. He described the 2024-25 season as really, really tough but noted that the current season is much better in terms of many things I’m seeing.

Guardiola has stated that his decision to remain will depend on his personal feelings, and as of December 19, 2025, those feelings were positive. He has maintained that he will exit the club the moment he feels This proves done.

While Enzo Maresca has previously dismissed reports of him being a potential successor as 100% speculation in December 2025, the current stance of the Manchester City board suggests he remains the preferred choice for the eventual transition.