Guardiola to Step Down as Man City Look to Appoint Enzo Maresca

Sports

Pep Guardiola is set to step down as Manchester City manager after a decade in charge, with reports pointing to the end of one of the most decorated eras in Premier League history. Enzo Maresca, the former Chelsea head coach, is widely expected to take over at the Etihad Stadium.

Departure plan and final-season milestones

The 55-year-old is reportedly expected to confirm his exit shortly after City’s last match of the season, a home game against Aston Villa at the Etihad Stadium. The timing would bring Guardiola’s tenure to a close following a campaign that delivered major silverware.

City’s run included triumphs in both the League Cup and the FA Cup, marking a strong finish to the season and underlining the scale of Guardiola’s impact at the club.

FA Cup win adds to Guardiola’s haul

Guardiola’s final chapter at City appears to have been further strengthened by Saturday’s FA Cup success over Chelsea. That victory ensured he reached a total of 20 trophies won with the club.

Enzo Maresca lined up as successor

Maresca, who departed Chelsea four months ago, has been linked with the Manchester City role for months and is considered the leading candidate to replace Guardiola. Guardiola’s current contract with City is scheduled to run until June 2027.

Guardiola responds to future speculation

After the FA Cup final, Guardiola played down questions about his own future. When asked about the ongoing rumours by TNT Sports, he responded “What rumours?” before ending the interview, adding “Have a lovely evening.”

Zibuyile Dladla
Zibuyile Dladla
Senior Writer

Zibuyile began her media journey as a sales intern at Mediamark (Kagiso Media) before moving into digital content creation for ZAlebs.com. Over four years, she helped evolve the platform from a simple blog into one of South Africa’s leading independent entertainment news sites.
Following ZAlebs’ transition to Celebrity Worx in 2016, Zibuyile was promoted to Executive Editor, recognized for her sharp audience insight and ability to match editorial with branded content. Highlights of her time include a Bookmark Award nomination, judging TLC’s Next Great Presenter, reporting from the MTV EMAs, and building partnerships with radio stations like YFM, Cliff Central, and Good Hope FM.
Her editorial work also expanded to include fast-growing digital verticals—such as lifestyle tech, online entertainment, and gambling-related content—tailored to evolving reader interests and brand opportunities.

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