Pep Guardiola: Man City preparing for boss’s departure at end of season

Manchester City They are preparing for Pep Guardiola’s departure after Sunday’s Premier League game. Aston Villa.

Sources have told BBC Sport that the great manager is expected to leave the Etihad Stadium at the end of the season.

City hope Guardiola has a contract for next season and will remain as manager.

However, efforts towards his expected exit are continuing at the club, with the staff understanding that he will leave.

Club members are understood to be expecting him to leave following the final game of the season against Villa, with the club turning their attention to how best to mark their iconic boss’ tenure.

Former Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca, who worked under Guardiola at City, is among the candidates to replace the 55-year-old football player.

During his 10 years at City, Guardiola guided City to 17 major trophies and 20 trophies in total, including six Premier League titles, the Champions League, three FA Cups and five EFL Cups.

The club’s biggest boss is regarded as one of the best managers of all time and could still crown his magnificent spell at the Etihad Stadium with a seventh Premier League title by winning the FA Cup and Carabao Cup this season.

Speculation about the manager’s future has been rife for months, with the question of his tenure at Manchester City frequently raised in press conferences.

He was asked on Friday whether his visit to Wembley for the FA Cup final the following day would be his last visit there. “No way,” he said, reminding reporters that he had “one more year” left on his contract.

In an interview with BBC Sport ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup final, he said “Yes” when asked if he would stay at the club next season.

The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss added: “I’m here, I have a contract.”