Pep Guardiola ends a decade at Manchester City as the club prepares an open celebration and considers potential successors
Published: 19:51 BST, 18 May 2026 | Updated: 19:58 BST, 18 May 2026
The news that Pep Guardiola will end his decade-long association with Manchester City arrives as the season reaches its climax. After ten trophy-rich years, the 55-year-old has informed the club he plans to leave following the final Premier League fixture against Aston Villa this weekend.
His tenure has reshaped English football — a period marked by sustained success, evolution of playing style and a first-ever Champions League title for the club. Sources say the decision has circulated among sponsors and close contacts and that confirmation is expected on Sunday to allow a proper public send-off.
Closing a remarkable chapter at the Etihad
Guardiola’s spell at the club produced an astonishing haul of silverware: 20 trophies, including six league titles and an unprecedented run of four consecutive championships. The manager collected his final honour at the Etihad with Saturday’s FA Cup win over Chelsea, adding a neat coda to a transformative era.
The phrase ten magical years is often used to capture what supporters experienced — dramatic tactical innovations, world-class signings and regular title battles with top rivals such as Arsenal. As the season reaches its last fixtures, the club now balances the immediate challenge of results with planning for life after Guardiola.
Farewell arrangements and public tribute
Club chiefs are said to be coordinating a public tribute to honor Guardiola’s achievements and cement his legacy in Manchester. An open-top bus parade is planned for Monday, with build-up in the city’s Northern Quarter and a procession that will finish outside the Colin Bell Stand reception at the Etihad Stadium. The parade route and schedule — starting at 4pm and concluding an hour later — have been circulated to supporters and partners to ensure a widely accessible celebration. Such a farewell aims to mark both gratitude for what he delivered and the end of a distinct era in English football.
Immediate fixtures and sporting context
On the field, City remain in contention for the title while managing a busy run-in. Following the FA Cup triumph, they face Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium on Tuesday, before the final league match at the Etihad on Sunday. The outcome of those fixtures will shape how Guardiola’s final chapter is remembered, especially given the tight contest with Arsenal for the Premier League crown. Throughout this period the club must juggle match preparation with the logistical demands of a high-profile managerial departure and the media attention that accompanies it.
Candidates and succession planning
Attention is already turning to who will succeed Guardiola in the manager’s office. Two names repeatedly emerge in discussions: Enzo Maresca, identified here as the former Chelsea manager, and Vincent Kompany, referenced as the Bayern Munich boss. Both candidates bring differing profiles — one with a recent domestic resume and the other with an intimate knowledge of Manchester from his playing days — and both are viewed as capable of maintaining the club’s competitive trajectory. The club also retains options around internal restructuring or appointing Guardiola to a different role, given he has a year remaining on his contract and has not ruled out staying with the organization in some capacity.
Legacy and next steps for the club
As City prepares for a formal announcement, the conversation around Guardiola’s legacy has already begun: his influence on tactical innovation, squad development and the global profile of the club will be dissected by fans, analysts and rivals. The immediate focus, however, remains on closing the current season strongly and managing the transition with care. Whether the club opts for continuity or a fresh direction, the decision will be framed by a desire to preserve the standards established during Guardiola’s decade. For supporters, the coming days will be a mixture of celebration, reflection and speculation about the future.
What supporters can expect
Fans should expect an official confirmation on Sunday ahead of the planned Monday parade, along with details from the club about longer-term plans. Meanwhile, attention will stick to the pitch as City completes its final fixtures, blending the emotional weight of farewell events with the practicalities of competitive football. The next managerial chapter will be judged against the exceptional benchmark set by Guardiola, and the club’s handling of the succession will shape the narrative of Manchester City’s next phase.
