End of an Era: Pep Guardiola Departs Manchester City After 10 Years

Manchester City is preparing for the departure of manager Pep Guardiola at the conclusion of the 2025-2026 season. According to reporting from BBC Sport on May 18, 2026, the manager is expected to leave the club following the final Premier League fixture against Aston Villa, which is scheduled for Sunday, May 24, 2026.

Guardiola has led the club for 10 years, establishing a tenure characterized by consistent domestic and international success. During this decade at the Etihad Stadium, the 55-year-old manager has secured 17 major trophies, with a total of 20 titles overall.

Trophy Record and Current Season

The manager’s trophy haul at Manchester City includes the following achievements:

• Six Premier League titles
• One UEFA Champions League title
• Three FA Cups
• Five EFL Cups

In the current season, Guardiola has already secured the FA Cup and the Carabao Cup. He remains in a position to potentially cap his tenure with a seventh Premier League title before his anticipated exit.

Succession Planning and Club Tributes

As the club prepares for the transition, Enzo Maresca has emerged as the frontrunner to replace Guardiola. Maresca, the former Chelsea manager, previously worked under Guardiola during his time at Manchester City.

Internal preparations for the departure are already underway. BBC Sport reports that members of the club staff and the playing squad are operating under the understanding that Guardiola will leave after the match against Aston Villa.

To mark the end of the era, Manchester City is considering several ways to honor the manager’s contributions. One option currently under consideration by the club is naming the newly expanded North Stand after Guardiola.

Contract Status and Public Statements

Despite the internal preparations for his exit, Manchester City maintains that Guardiola still has a contract for the next season and has stated it is hopeful he will remain in his role.

Guardiola has previously dismissed speculation regarding his immediate departure. When questioned on May 15, 2026, about whether his trip to Wembley for the FA Cup final would be his final visit, he responded No way and reminded reporters that he had one more year remaining on his contract.