Pep Guardiola is set to bring his trophy-laden decade in charge of Manchester City to an end this weekend, according to multiple reports on May 18, 2026.
The 55-year-old will reportedly announce his departure shortly after City’s final game of the season against Aston Villa at the Etihad Stadium. The match on May 24 is expected to mark his last in charge, capping a campaign that included winning both the League Cup and the FA Cup.
Guardiola has won six Premier League titles and City’s first Champions League among 20 trophies since arriving in England in 2016. “It is thought that City have begun to tell their sponsor partners that the announcement is imminent,” the Daily Mail reported. The Athletic also reported that Guardiola will step down after the visit of Villa to the Etihad.
City have made no comment on the speculation. However, the club have arranged a parade through Manchester on Monday to celebrate their League Cup and FA Cup triumphs, which could act as a farewell to Guardiola.
When asked about the rumours by TNT Sports after the FA Cup final, Guardiola replied, “What rumours?” and then ended the interview, saying, “Have a lovely evening.”
Former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca, who previously worked on Guardiola’s staff at City, is reportedly in line to take over next season. Maresca left Chelsea four months ago and has been rumoured for months to be the top contender for the Spaniard’s job.
Guardiola’s contract at City is set to expire in June 2027, following a renewal in November 2024. City retained hope that the 55-year-old would remain at the helm through next season, but work toward his exit has already begun, with members of staff understanding he will leave this summer.
City must win their final two games against Bournemouth and Aston Villa and hope Arsenal drop points against Crystal Palace if they are to win the Premier League this season.
