Manchester City are reportedly preparing for Pep Guardiola’s exit after Sunday’s Premier League clash against Aston Villa, despite the manager publicly insisting he plans to stay.
Preparations linked to a potential departure are taking place behind the scenes, with staff and squad members expecting the Spaniard to leave at the end of the campaign, according to reports by BBC Sport.
The club is already considering ways to honour his era, including naming the newly expanded North Stand after him.
Former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has emerged as the leading candidate to succeed the 55-year-old.
During his decade-long spell, Guardiola has guided City to 17 major trophies, including six Premier League titles and a Champions League crown. Ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup final, Guardiola was asked if it would mark his final trip to Wembley.
"No way," he replied, reminding reporters he has "one more year" left on his deal.
Speaking to BBC Sport before the final, he was again questioned about staying, to which he responded, "Yeah."
"I am here, I have a contract," the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager added.
Similar questions resurfaced during a press conference ahead of Tuesday’s trip to Bournemouth. Frustrated by the repeated speculation, Guardiola sighed before saying, "Next. So many times I have one more year."
Guardiola also dismissed suggestions about the North Stand being renamed after him.
"No, no, no, no, no, no, I have no idea about that," he said, adding that "they don't have to do anything, honestly."
Guardiola joined City in 2016. After a trophyless debut season, he led the club through the most dominant period in English football history. City became the first Premier League side to reach 100 points in 2017-18 and matched Manchester United’s Treble in 2022-23.
He secured an unprecedented fourth consecutive league title in 2023-24 before signing an extension keeping him tied to the club until 2027.
Before moving to England, Guardiola won three Bundesliga titles with Bayern Munich. He launched his coaching career at Barcelona in 2008, winning three La Liga titles and two Champions Leagues. As a player, he won six La Liga titles with Barcelona and captained Spain to Olympic gold in 1992.