Pep Guardiola Leaves Manchester City, Is Enzo Maresca a Strong Candidate to Replace Him?

Liputan6.com, Jakarta - Legendary manager Pep Guardiola is reportedly set to end his tenure with Manchester City at the end of the 2025-2026 season.

This decision marks the end of a decade-long reign that has led the Citizens to glory at both domestic and European levels.

Guardiola is expected to leave the club after the final Premier League match of the season against Aston Villa on Sunday, May 24, 2026.

Although his contract still has one year remaining until June 2027, reports suggest a clause would allow the 55-year-old manager to leave early, ending his successful tenure at the Etihad Stadium.

Guardiola's departure makes Enzo Maresca's name as the leading candidate to fill the Manchester City manager's position.

🚨 Pep Guardiola has informed Manchester City that he will leave the club this summer.Decision confirmed and official statement to follow as Pep will say goodbye to Man City fans very soon.Only one name to replace Pep: Enzo Maresca. pic.twitter.com/D6pVvkhN5E

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 18, 2026

After ten incredible years, Pep Guardiola has decided to step down as Manchester City manager.

The official announcement is expected to be made on Sunday, May 24, 2026, coinciding with the final Premier League match of the season.

This decision, despite his contract running until 2027, is based on Guardiola's desire to seek new challenges after feeling his time at the Etihad had been sufficient.

During his tenure at the club since 2016, Guardiola has transformed Manchester City into a dominant force in English and European football.

He has won a total of 20 prestigious trophies, including six Premier League titles, three FA Cups, five League Cups, and one Champions League trophy, part of a historic treble in the 2022/2023 season.

Guardiola also made history as the first manager to lead a team to a domestic treble and four consecutive Premier League titles.

A celebration of Guardiola's achievements with the Sky Blues will also include an open-top bus parade on Monday, May 25, 2026.

Amidst speculation about Pep Guardiola's replacement, Enzo Maresca's name has been widely mentioned as the leading candidate to take the Manchester City manager's seat.

Maresca is no stranger to the Citizens; He served as manager of the U-21 team during the 2020/2021 season, winning the Premier League 2 title, before returning as Guardiola's assistant coach with the first team in the summer of 2022.

He led Leicester City to promotion to the Premier League in the 2023-2024 season and then led Chelsea to Champions League football, the 2024-2025 UEFA Conference League title, and the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.

Maresca left Chelsea on January 1, 2026, despite his contract running until 2029, and is currently a free agent.

After leaving Manchester City, Pep Guardiola's future has become a hot topic in the football world.

There's a strong possibility that Guardiola won't immediately return to managing a club and could potentially take a break from the hustle and bustle of football, since he did this before after leaving FC Barcelona.

With his reputation and extensive trophy collection, Guardiola will certainly have no trouble finding a new job whenever he decides to return.

Almost all of Europe's elite clubs, from the Spanish league to the Italian league, are said to be open to the manager's return to club football.

Even the option of coaching a national team is an attractive option for a manager of his caliber.

Guardiola's playing style and tactical approach have revolutionized modern football.