Pep Guardiola to step back from Man City after Carabao Cup final as huge update on future emerges

However, in the wake of City's Champions League exit at the hands of Real Madrid on Tuesday night, his future is once again up in the air.

The 55-year-old surprised many in November 2024 when he opted to sign a new contract with the club, at a time when they were struggling for consistency.

City have continued to blow hot and cold in the time since and, should they lose to Arsenal on Sunday, the possibility of a second trophyless campaign in succession will only increase in likelihood.

According to the Daily Mail, Guardiola is yet to make a definitive decision on his future with his current deal having just a year to run.

He will, however, go away on Monday after the fixture at Wembley in order to consider 'what is best for him' and 'what is best for the club'.

City's matches have, as ever, been stacked this season.

But by taking a step back, and spending some time away from Manchester, things will likely become far clearer for the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich coach.

City have already started to look at potential replacements. Enzo Maresca, who was axed by Chelsea in January, is one name in the frame to take over.

The Italian even confirmed to the Blues prior to his departure from Stamford Bridge that he'd held talks with City, where he previously worked as a coach.

In the end, the west London titans opted to replace him with Liam Rosenior - though the 41-year-old's own tenure in the capital is already falling apart.

Xabi Alonso, who was axed by Real Madrid earlier this season, is another name in the frame. Como boss Cesc Fabregas is reportedly of interest as well.

It isn't the first time City have considered potential replacements for Guardiola. In 2021, they also feared that he'd be about to pack his bags and strut off into the sunset.

Ultimately, he stayed put, and in 2023 was able to finally win the Champions League. That remains their only European triumph to date.

Meanwhile, speaking after last night's defeat, Guardiola called on City to be more clinical in front of goal after missed chances in both legs of their tie with Real Madrid came back to bite them.

“Still, we aren’t complete. Still there are things in certain moments (where) we need to be more clinical, but my feeling is it will be a question of time. We aren’t a complete team; that is a reality," Guardiola said.

“I have been in a team at Manchester City where we were a team in all aspects.

"Still, we aren’t, but we have a final on Sunday, the FA Cup against Liverpool and the Premier League is still tight."

City will actually go into their match with Arsenal on Sunday as underdogs.

Mikel Arteta's Gunners are flying at present and kept their hopes of European glory alive with a 2-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen at the Emirates Stadium.