Football awash with Guardiola exit talk as Man City plan for life without him

We will know in a matter of weeks whether Pep Guardiola's reign at Manchester City has run its course, writes Sami Mokbel. By Sami Mokbel Senior football correspondent We will know in a matter of weeks whether Pep Guardiola's reign at Manchester City has run its course. The industry is awash with talk that the legendary Spaniard will step down in the summer, with BBC Sport hearing similar soundings, with former Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca among the leading candidates to replace him. As things stand, there is no confirmation from the Etihad club over Guardiola's immediate future. Until then, there remains an element of mystery over a manager who has unarguably become a Premier League icon - and the small matter of a Premier League title race and FA Cup final to navigate.

But if this does turn out to be Guardiola's last stand, City believe they are in good shape for life without their legendary manager. In attracting players, City have leaned heavily on the unique selling point of working with Guardiola. When Guardiola signed a new two-year contract in November 2024, the perceived doomsday scenario of his departure at the end of that season was prevented. The football industry has been rife with speculation over Guardiola's future, although City's perspective is talk of him departing this year is just that - speculation. But sources have told BBC Sport there is tangible uncertainty over whether Guardiola will see out the final year of his contract.

City have been working to compile a plan to replace Guardiola. There is a familiarity and logic to the appointment of Maresca that makes him an attractive proposition to City. First and foremost, he has impressed as a coach, leading Leicester to Premier League promotion as champions in 2024, before taking Chelsea to Champions League qualification plus the Conference League and Club World Cup titles in his only full season at Stamford Bridge. He knows City, having, firstly, worked at the club's academy for a season in 2020 before joining Guardiola's staff in June 2022. Maresca has won at City, leading the elite development squad to the Premier League 2 title in 2021.

The Italian was part of Guardiola's staff when they lifted the Champions League, Premier League and FA Cup in 2023. Elsewhere, Vincent Kompany looks to have all the hallmarks of a future City head coach. Semenyo and Guehi entered negotiations with their eyes open. Semenyo was a target for Manchester United , Chelsea and Tottenham . He prioritised a move to City.

Guehi chose City. City can no longer lean heavily on the idea of flourishing under Guardiola in their pitches to players. Nevertheless - certainly for Semenyo and Guehi - City's pitch remains among the most competitive around, despite the uncertainty over Guardiola. While no-one knows wher We will know in a matter of weeks whether Pep Guardiola's reign at Manchester City has run its course, writes Sami Mokbel. Football awash with Guardiola exit talk as Man City plan for life without him