Pep Guardiola to leave Manchester City, Enzo Maresca named successor
Pep Guardiola will step down as Manchester City manager at the end of the 2025‑26 season, ending a ten‑year spell that delivered 20 trophies, including six Premier League titles and the club’s first Champions League win. The departure will be confirmed after City’s final league match against Aston Villa, following a trophy parade that celebrates the league cup and FA Cup victories this season. Reports from Fabrizio Romano and other media say the club has reached a verbal agreement with former Chelsea and City assistant Enzo Maresca on a three‑year contract to succeed Guardiola.
Maresca, 46, previously managed Parma, Leicester City and Chelsea, where he won the Conference League, Club World Cup and secured Champions League qualification. He was a member of Guardiola’s staff during City’s treble‑winning 2022/23 campaign. The club’s announcement comes as the Premier League’s financial‑regulation investigation into more than 100 alleged breaches by City concludes its hearing, a factor that could affect the club’s reputation despite the on‑field success.
Guardiola, 55, still has one year left on his contract but has indicated his intention to leave, prompting speculation that he may seek a new challenge elsewhere. The transition marks a major managerial change for one of England’s dominant clubs and will influence coaching trends across the Premier League.