August 11, 2026
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Manchester City will welcome Enzo Maresca as head coach on three year deal

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Pep Guardiola doesn't think Man City will hit the same standards as last season
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Pep Guardiola will be replaced as Manchester City’s manager by Enzo Maresca before the next campaign. The legendary City manager Guardiola is anticipated to depart the team after Sunday’s season-ending game at Etihad Stadium against Aston Villa, as BBC Sport reported on Monday.

The top candidate to succeed the illustrious Spaniard for the 2026–2027 campaign is Maresca, a former head coach of Chelsea. City has been planning for Guardiola’s summer departure for almost six months, and negotiations with Maresca have progressed.

In due course, the 46-year-old is anticipated to be announced as Guardiola’s replacement. The Italian manager, who spent his only full season at Stamford Bridge winning the Conference League and Club World Cup and qualifying for the Champions League, was previously employed by City.

Before joining the first squad, he was an important member of City’s academy and Guardiola’s assistant during the team’s 2022–2023 treble-winning season.

Enzo Maresca to sign three-year deal as Man City manager

As City prepare to take on Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium on Tuesday night, Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Enzo Maresca will replace Guardiola as Manchester City manager on an initial three-year deal, with a verbal agreement in place between the Italian and the City hierarchy.

It is not exactly known when Manchester City could make it public that Guardiola is leaving the club, with the Blues still fighting for the Premier League title ahead of monumental fixtures against Bournemouth and Aston Villa.

Before Sunday’s home game against Aston Villa, an official confirmation may be made in order to mobilise the supporters and make a fitting farewell for Manchester City’s best manager ever, who has won 20 titles while at the Etihad Stadium.

Guardiola and company need three points on the south coast to remain in the race for the championship, but with plenty of time between Bournemouth and Villa, City officials may choose to announce the news early. They also have an open-bus parade scheduled for Monday to commemorate the accomplishments of the men’s, women’s, and academy teams this season.

Pep Guardiola to leave Man City after Sunday’s final game against Aston Villa

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Pep Guardiola is confident about Manchester City's position to defend against all the financial allegations
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Pep Guardiola will step down as Manchester City manager after Sunday’s final Premier League match against Aston Villa, bringing a glorious decade at the Etihad to a close.

City Confirm Guardiola’s Exit Ahead of Sunday’s Season Finale

The 55-year-old Catalan has transformed City into one of world football’s dominant forces, winning 20 trophies during his ten-year reign.

He secures six league titles, including an unprecedented four straight championships, and delivered the club’s first Champions League trophy.

City have already informed their sponsor partners that the announcement is imminent.

The news has circulated as an open secret among Guardiola’s inner circle for months, with growing speculation that he planned to end his remarkable tenure this summer.

The club will officially confirm Guardiola’s departure on Sunday, allowing fans to celebrate his stunning impact during Monday’s open-top bus parade.

The parade begins at Manchester’s Northern Quarter at 4pm and finishes an hour later outside the Colin Bell Stand reception at the Etihad Stadium.

Guardiola still has one year left on his contract, which he has repeatedly mentioned, and he may remain at the club in a different role.

However, City are already preparing for life after their legendary manager.

Leading candidates to replace Guardiola include Enzo Maresca, the former Chelsea boss, and Vincent Kompany, currently in charge of Bayern Munich.

City defeated Chelsea 1-0 at Wembley on Saturday to lift the FA Cup. They remain in a tight title race with Arsenal as they chase the Premier League crown.

Guardiola’s side face Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium on Tuesday evening before their final home game against Aston Villa on Sunday.

After ten magical years, the greatest coach in English football history will bid farewell.

Pep Guardiola names his biggest title with Manchester City

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Pep Guardiola unhappy on Man City's first-half performance in Chelsea draw

Pep Guardiola has revealed that Manchester City’s remarkable consistency at Wembley Stadium not the trophies themselves represents his side’s greatest achievement.

Pep Guardiola: Man City’s Greatest Achievement Isn’t a Trophy – It’s 24 Games at Wembley

After Saturday’s 1-0 FA Cup final victory over Chelsea, Guardiola highlighted a stunning statistic: City have played 24 matches at the national stadium during his nine-year reign.

“I think the biggest title is to come here 24 times,” Guardiola said.

“You can win Premier Leagues, the Champions League, but do you play 24 times here?”

The Catalan manager recalled his difficult first season at the club, when City failed to reach Wembley at all.

Since then, they have become ever-present in domestic cup semi-finals and finals.

“In nine years we came 24 times because we were stubborn,” he explained.

“In the FA Cup or Carabao Cup, you face League One or League Two teams. You can be slippery. You can have a bad afternoon or a bad night.

We never had even one day like that. That is the biggest compliment we can get as a club.”

City have already lifted the Carabao Cup this season, making it two trophies so far. But Guardiola warned his players against believing their own hype.

“Don’t forget that if you pretend you are there, in a few hours you are at the bottom,” he said.

“The trophy is good, and the experience matters, but don’t take it for granted.

If you start to believe you are special, you just win the FA Cup. Special we are not.”

The City boss stressed that sustained success requires relentless effort.

“The moment you think you will be in these places quite often, that is dangerous. We knew exactly how difficult it is to arrive after winning.”

Guardiola’s message is clear: reaching Wembley time after time, without a single off day, means more than any single trophy. For him, that consistency is Manchester City’s real title.

Man City won FA Cup for eighth time with victory over Chelsea

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Tottenham to host FA Cup holders Manchester City in fourth round
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If this was indeed Pep Guardiola’s 24th and last Wembley trip as Manchester City’s manager, he departed in typical fashion—as a victor and mastermind of magical moments. Actually, there was just one of the latter here, but it will live on because Antoine Semenyo lit up an FA Cup final that had previously been more about sweat than inspiration.

By the time the Wembley clock reached 72 minutes, Chelsea were in the lead and anxious to get past their recent problems. Semenyo allowed his instincts to guide him, and the outcome was a brilliant flick with his trailing leg that expertly redirected the ball into the far corner. Chelsea had no way back since the technique matched the vision.

He was even more motivated to add another FA Cup to the Carabao Cup won in March since the Premier League crown appeared unattainable and Arsenal was now so close to it. He accomplished it because of Semenyo, and this is his 17th major prize (not including the three Community Shields) in ten years with City.

Manchester City wins FA Cup final

Antoine Semenyo’s winning goal will be repeated for years to come as one of the greatest cup final goals, but this FA Cup final will soon be forgotten as a spectacle.

Since moving from Bournemouth to the Etihad in January for £62.5 million, the City attacker has had a significant influence on Pep Guardiola’s team. He scored nine goals for the Blues prior to their match against Chelsea at Wembley. However, none have been more significant or spectacular than his goal in the second half, which gave City the victory in a gloomy cup final.

To be fair to Guardiola, he quickly corrected his error. After Cherki replaced Marmoush at halftime, City appeared more formidable right away. He initiated the move that resulted in Semenyo’s goal by finding the gap between the lines. Cherki also had a chance to score, but Chelsea custodian Robert Sanchez stopped him with a powerful hand.

City supporters are accustomed to Guardiola making unexpected team selections during crucial matches. Over the previous several years, he has gotten more reliable, but against Chelsea, there was yet another unexpected development. Cherki ultimately shown why he was deserving of the starting position.

Man City is still in contention for a domestic treble of trophies

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Pep Guardiola glad for start of Man City's 115 charges hearing

Even if it wouldn’t look like one of the most remarkable upsets in the history of soccer’s oldest knockout competition, Chelsea’s victory against Manchester City in Saturday’s final would definitely upset the odds.

Consider how both teams performed before the extravaganza at Wembley. City is still in the running for a domestic triple crown after winning the English League Cup. With two games left, it is now in second position in the Premier League, two points behind Arsenal, having dropped only one domestic game since the end of November.

Even though his current class doesn’t feel as good as his best during his tenure at City, Pep Guardiola’s club is undoubtedly in form. Despite making it to their record fourth straight FA Cup final, Pep Guardiola maintains that Manchester City is still “far away” from capturing a domestic treble.

After winning the Carabao Cup in March, Guardiola’s squad now has six away games remaining, five in the Premier League and one in the FA Cup, to complete a sweep of English football’s major championships.

Pep Guardiola insists Man City ‘far away’ from domestic treble

This weekend’s FA Cup final pits Chelsea against Manchester City. In their semi-final matchup with Southampton, Man City overcame a scare after falling behind in the 79th minute. But Jeremy Doku and Nico Gonzalez’s late goals sealed the victory.

As a result, with the Carabao Cup already won and the Premier League championship battle poised to go to the wire, City is still on track to win another domestic treble under Pep Guardiola.

Rodri, who has missed the past five games across all competitions due to a groin problem, is the sole worry for Man City ahead of the cup final. Guardiola has not yet been able to confirm the midfield player’s availability, although he has resumed training.

After being rested for the victory over Crystal Palace, Erling Haaland, Rayan Cherki, and Jeremy Doku are all anticipated to rejoin the starting lineup, with James Trafford expected to start in goal.

Man City has found their scoring touch ahead of the Wembley showpiece, so it’s difficult to see them losing the trophy even though they dropped points to Everton in what could prove costly in the Premier League title race.

Man City make contract offer to Josko Gvardiol as Real Madrid threat emerges

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Manchester City confirm the signing of Josko Gvardiol from RB Leipzig
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In an effort to bolster their central defence this summer, Real Madrid is still keeping an eye on Josko Gvardiol, a defender for Manchester City. The Croatian international has long been a target for the team, and Sportske Novosti claims that during his tenure at Real Madrid, Luka Modric personally suggested his countryman to president Florentino Perez.

Even after his lucrative transfer to the Premier League, Gvardiol’s performances have kept Madrid interested in him. But a summer transfer doesn’t seem likely at all. Gvardiol’s current contract with Manchester City expires in 2028, but he is apparently close to signing a new one that would last until 2033 and include a substantial pay rise.

The 24-year-old’s participation for Croatia’s 2026 World Cup is uncertain due to his fractured tibia, which has kept him out of action since January. As they prepare to restructure their team, Real Madrid will have to consider more practical defensive choices.

Real Madrid pushing for Man City star

In a 3-3 draw with Everton on Monday night, City lost two points in their attempt to win the Premier League this season. They will thus still be two points behind even if they defeat leaders Arsenal in their next encounter.

Although Josko Gvardiol had been out since early January, the Cityzens were essentially at full strength. However, the source claims that City has drafted a new deal worth “significantly more” than Gvardiol’s existing one in order to retain him at the Etihad until at least 2033.

This builds upon data that TEAMtalk obtained from sources in late 2025. We found out that Pep Guardiola was pushing City to reach a deal with Gvardiol. At the time, City wanted the Croatian to sign a new deal this season in order to make sure he continued to play a significant role in the team’s long-term goals. Despite Real’s interest, if the current claim is accurate, a new deal may be on the horizon.

Aston Villa open talks to sign Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford

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Kevin De Bruyne expected to sign new contract at Man City

Aston Villa have opened initial discussions with the representatives of Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford, as manager Unai Emery prepares for a potential summer overhaul in goal.

James Trafford set to leave Man City as Aston Villa enter transfer race

Emery faces the likely departure of Emiliano Martinez this summer, forcing Villa to search for a new number one. Trafford has now emerged as a serious target for the Midlands club.

The 21-year-old shot-stopper expects to leave Manchester City when the transfer window opens. However, Villa face competition from Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur.

Newcastle find wages a major stumbling block in any potential deal for Trafford. Meanwhile, Spurs must secure their Premier League survival to stand any chance of landing the Englishman.

Villa do not currently lead the race for his signature. But qualifying for next season’s Champions League would significantly strengthen their position.

Emery’s side sit fifth in the table with three games remaining, and four more points guarantee a top-four finish.

Trafford joined City last summer but quickly lost his starting spot to Gianluigi Donnarumma.

Since the Italian arrived, the young goalkeeper has not played a single Premier League minute. He has made just 14 appearances across all competitions this season.

A move to Villa appeals to Trafford for several reasons. If Martinez leaves, he would have a clear path to become first-choice at a growing club.

Regular first-team football would also boost his chances of eventually becoming England’s number one.

His departure from the Etihad this summer appears almost certain.

Villa would acquire an excellent addition to their squad. But Emery will likely explore other goalkeeping targets in the coming weeks as he decides the best path forward for his team.

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola will step down as the club’s manager this summer

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Pep Guardiola likely to leave Manchester City in 2025
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Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola will leave the club this summer, according to an insider. Guardiola has been at the Etihad Stadium for ten seasons, taking over as manager in July 2016, and he has overseen the club’s most successful period in history, winning six Premier League titles, a Champions League, five League Cups, and two FA Cups, with the possibility of adding to his Premier League and FA Cup totals this season.

However, while the Catalan manager’s contract expires in 2027, it has now been reported that he will stand down a year earlier, with everyone at the club being aware of the situation. According to a revelation from Hand of Arsenal, a well-known football insider, everyone at Manchester City is aware that the 55-year-old’s current plan is to depart at the conclusion of the season.

Talks have taken place within the club about naming a stand in his honour once he leaves, and while the club remains hopeful that he may change his mind, they are already planning for his departure this summer.

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola won’t block exit

Under manager Pep Guardiola, City is still aiming for a third Treble after winning the League Cup in March. Should Arsenal lose their remaining games, there is still a chance for a ninth Premier League championship and an FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium.

Although it is thought that this will be Guardiola’s last season in the Premier League, it has been speculated that the reason the story hasn’t been covered more widely by major news sites is that there is always a chance he changes his mind, which would damage their credibility.

Guardiola is regarded as one of the greatest managers of all time because he has won wherever he has been and changed football with his offensive, possession-heavy style that has ruled the continent for over two decades. According to other reports, Man City and Enzo Maresca have an “in-depth agreement” for Maresca to take Guardiola’s position as manager this summer.

Pep Guardiola believes Man City’s title hopes no longer under our control

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Pep Guardiola hails Man City side after securing spot in FA Cup semifinal
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Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola admitted the Premier League title is no longer in his team’s control following a dramatic 3-3 draw at Everton.

Guardiola: City’s Premier League destiny no longer belongs to us

City fought back from 3-1 down in the final minutes, with Erling Haaland and Jeremy Doku scoring late to snatch a point.

But the result leaves Guardiola’s side five points behind leaders Arsenal, though City still have a game in hand.

“The title is not in our hands,” Guardiola said.

“Before that game it was, and Arsenal’s as well. But now, in our hands, no.”

City appeared comfortable when Doku’s 43rd-minute goal gave them a 1-0 halftime lead. However, Everton substitute Thierno Barry changed the game.

He scored in the 68th minute after a poor back pass from City defender Marc Guehi.

Jake O’Brien then headed Everton ahead in the 73rd minute, and Barry added a third in the 81st.

Haaland pulled one back for City two minutes later, and Doku curled in a superb stoppage-time equaliser to salvage a point.

Guardiola praised his team’s determination despite the setback.

“Really good performance. We played an outstanding first half,” he told Sky Sports.

“Second half, maybe we were not as much in control, but in general, we made a really good performance.”

City next host Brentford on Saturday before Arsenal travel to West Ham. Guardiola knows his side must win their remaining games and hope for slip-ups from the league leaders.

“We have four games in the Premier League. Next is Brentford, and it will be quite similar because the competitors are good,” he said.

“We will see what happens.”

Everton boss David Moyes admitted frustration after his side let a two-goal lead slip.

“Getting a point against City is not a bad result, but when you’re 3-1 up, you think you’re in with a great chance of winning,” he said.

Man City superstar Rodri could now follow Bernardo in leaving this summer

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Pep Guardiola admits replacing Rodri would be a difficult task even at Manchester City
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Manchester City face a potential midfield exodus this summer, with star playmaker Rodri emerging as the next high-profile name who could exit the Etihad.

Another Star Out: Rodri Could Become Latest Man City Midfielder to Leave

Sources indicate that Pep Guardiola is preparing a major overhaul of his midfield ahead of the transfer window.

The Spanish boss has already overseen significant squad changes in recent windows, and this year looks no different.

Bernardo Silva and John Stones have already confirmed their departures, leaving two big gaps in Guardiola’s squad. Now, Rodri appears likely to join them.

The Spanish international has publicly admitted he would struggle to turn down a move to Real Madrid, openly inviting interest from the Bernabeu.

Growing speculation suggests Los Blancos are keen to secure his signature this summer.

Guardiola remains reluctant to lose Rodri, as he does not want to shed too many leaders and experienced voices from his dressing room.

However, a growing feeling inside the club suggests the midfielder could form part of a major exodus of long-serving stars.

Speaking on Football Insider‘s Transfer Insider podcast, a source explained:

“There’s going to be a big revamp of Guardiola’s midfield when the summer window opens. Bernardo Silva is leaving and will leave a big hole.

There are ongoing doubts about Rodri’s long-term future as well and whether he could make a move to Real Madrid.”

If City lose both experienced midfielders, they will need significant replacements. The club has already set its sights on several targets, including Elliot Anderson and Sandro Tonali.

Meanwhile, Tijjani Reijnders could also leave after struggling for playing time this season, with several Serie A clubs monitoring his situation.

For now, all eyes remain on Rodri. His potential departure would mark the end of an era at Manchester City and force Guardiola into one of his biggest rebuilding jobs yet.