Pep Guardiola responds to Man City quit questions with club exit set to go ahead this Sunday

Pep Guardiola to leave Man City after 10 years in charge

Callum Vurley

By Callum Vurley


Published: 19/05/2026

- 20:29

Pep Guardiola is expected to leave after Manchester City's Premier League match against Aston Villa

Pep Guardiola brushed aside questions about his Manchester City future with a blunt dismissal as he arrived at the Vitality Stadium on Tuesday evening.

The 55-year-old was briefly stopped for a television interview before his side's crucial Premier League fixture against Bournemouth.


When Sky Sports asked whether the intense speculation surrounding his departure had disrupted his preparations for the match, Guardiola offered a characteristically terse reply.

"Zero, absolutely zero," the Catalan manager stated.

Pep Guardiola was giving nothing away when asked about quitting Man City

Pep Guardiola was giving nothing away when asked about quitting Man City

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SKYSPORTS

City have remained silent on the mounting reports about their manager's future, allowing Guardiola to concentrate on the task at hand.

The club needed victory against Andoni Iraola's side to keep their title hopes alive heading into the campaign's final weekend.

Reports emerged on Monday night suggesting Guardiola intends to leave the Etihad after Sunday's season finale against Aston Villa.

The speculation indicates the Spaniard plans to walk away twelve months before his current deal expires, despite repeatedly insisting in public that he has another year left to run.

Neither the manager nor Manchester City have officially confirmed the reports.

During his pre-match press conference, Guardiola continued to tease journalists about his intentions, even joking about extending his stay.

"Next. I've said it so many times - I have one more year," he maintained when pressed directly about what his farewell might look like.

Pep Guardiola graphicFive things to know about Man City boss Pep Guardiola | GETTY/GB NEWS

Should the departure be confirmed, it would conclude one of English football's most decorated managerial tenures spanning almost a decade.

Guardiola's nine-year reign at the Etihad has yielded an extraordinary 20 major trophies.

His collection includes six top-flight titles, the Champions League, three FA Cups and five League Cups.

The Spaniard has also secured three Community Shields, the UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup during his transformative spell in Manchester.

Beyond the silverware, the former Barcelona boss fundamentally reshaped the club's playing philosophy and elevated them among European football's elite.

His former assistant Enzo Maresca has emerged as a frontrunner to succeed him should the exit be formalised.

The 46-year-old Italian served under Guardiola during the treble-winning 2022/23 campaign after working within City's youth setup.

Maresca subsequently led Leicester back to the Premier League before his stint at Chelsea, where he claimed the Club World Cup and Conference League.

The club are reportedly considering naming the Etihad's newly expanded North Stand in Guardiola's honour, according to The Sun.

Enzo Maresca worked with Pep Guardiola for one season at Manchester CityEnzo Maresca worked with Pep Guardiola for one season at Manchester City | PA

The redeveloped stand, which adds roughly 7,900 seats and takes the stadium's capacity beyond 60,000, opens on Sunday during the Villa fixture.

Reports state the tribute is increasingly likely as City prepare for what could prove an emotional send-off.

Yet Guardiola appeared uncomfortable with such recognition when questioned before the Bournemouth match.

"I have no idea about that! No, no, no. They don't have to do anything, honestly," he said.

Pep Guardiola has won the FA Cup and Carabao Cup this season

Pep Guardiola has won the FA Cup and Carabao Cup this season

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GETTY

"The important thing in our lives is that when you look back you say, 'Wow' and with the biggest smile."

He added that cherished memories with teammates and staff mattered far more than any physical monument bearing his name.