- Pep Guardiola expected leave Man City
- Enzo Maresca set to take over
- Manager attempts to quieten rumours
Pep Guardiola is expected to leave Manchester City at the end of the season, but he has hinted that the situation is not so clear cut.
Man City’s season is not quite over in the literal sense, but it essentially is when it comes to having something to play for.
The Citizens got the job done on Saturday by defeating Chelsea to win the FA Cup. However, they have lost out to Arsenal in the Premier League.
Erling Haaaland gave his team a last minute chance to get the better of Bournemouth, but his goal was too little too late for City.
And after the game, Pep Guardiola was once again asked about what he intends to do this summer, after some fairly conclusive rumours emerged on Monday night.
Pep Guardiola will speak with Man City’s chairman after Sunday’s game
Man City still have to play Aston Villa on Sunday and then there will be time for Guardiola to have a meeting with Man City’s club chairman.
The manager has claimed that he will make a decision once he has had that discussion, despite the fact many think his mind is already made up.
"So there is a decision to be made?"
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 19, 2026
"I have one more year on my contract… we will decide when we finish the season"
Pep Guardiola responds to questions around his future. pic.twitter.com/0UYlLOLsM1
Guardiola told Sky Sports: “I could say that I have one more year of contract, and with the conversations I’ve had for many, many years, always from my experience when you announce whatever you announce during the competition is a bad, bad result.
“And like you understand, the first person I have to talk to is my chairman [Khaldoon Al Mubarak], because we both decided when we finish the season we will sit and we will talk. And it’s as simple as that, and after we will take the decision.”
Guardiola should be honest if he is leaving
There is a chance that Guardiola is telling the truth and he is genuinely yet to make a decision on his future.
However, it seems odd that Monday’s rumours would just appear out of the blue if there was no substance to them.
Guardiola has done an unbelievable job at Man City and he deserves a proper send off at the Etihad Stadium if he is on his way out.
Therefore, with nothing left to play for in the Premier League, he should let the fans know what his intentions are before Sunday.
The Enzo Maresca rumours sound too convincing
Had it only been reported that Guardiola was leaving, that would leave room for the possibility that he might stay.
However, there is now talk about Chelsea considering legal action due to Maresca failing to inform the club about Man City’s approach.
This would be a bizarre story to make up. In fact, it is the kind of story which would be viewed as defamatory.
So is Guardiola leaving? The answer would definitely appear to be yes, which means Guardiola will lead his side out for the final time at the weekend.
