Pep Guardiola will depart Manchester City at the end of the 2025-26 season after a decade at the Premier League club, according to reports from The Telegraph. The decision comes as a surprise to many, despite widespread speculation about the Spanish manager's future throughout the campaign. Enzo Maresca, formerly of Chelsea, is expected to succeed Guardiola in the Etihad hotseat.
Why Guardiola Decided to Leave
Three primary factors have driven Guardiola's decision to step down. First, the manager revealed to a fellow opposition coach during last season that he felt exhausted and needed a break from club football. He explained that fatigue had built up over his years managing at the elite level, though he remained committed to stabilising City following the departure of sporting director Txiki Begiristain.
Second, Guardiola identified the milestone of a decade in charge as the natural endpoint for his tenure. Reaching approximately ten years at a single club provides a clean narrative arc and allows him to exit while still competitive. This season's domestic double—winning both the FA Cup and Carabao Cup—alongside a strong Premier League title race against Arsenal has given Guardiola what he described as a sense of relief, enabling him to depart on a high.
Third, Guardiola has successfully rebuilt Manchester City through multiple transfer windows, positioning the club to challenge for titles over the coming years. He felt his primary obligation to oversee this reconstruction was complete, removing a key barrier to his departure that had existed last season.
International Football Likely Next Step
Rather than retiring, sources close to Guardiola suggest he will pursue international management. Two nations reportedly fascinate the 54-year-old: Brazil and England. Guardiola has long admired Brazilian football culture and the challenge of delivering a World Cup title to a nation that hasn't won since 2002. However, Carlo Ancelotti recently renewed his Brazil contract, blocking that path for now.
The Football Association previously approached Guardiola before appointing Thomas Tuchel, who has committed to England through the 2028 European Championship. While Guardiola showed initial encouragement, that opportunity appears shelved for the immediate future. Industry sources expect his next role to materialise in international football once suitable openings emerge, marking a significant shift from club management.
Guardiola's departure concludes one of the most successful managerial tenures in English football history, transforming Manchester City into a serial Premier League champion before handing the reins to his successor.
