Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
Pep Guardiola is set to leave Manchester City at the end of the season, bringing an end to one of the most successful managerial eras in the history of English football after a decade that transformed the club into a global powerhouse.
The legendary Spanish coach is expected to step down following City’s final Premier League match of the campaign against Aston Villa on Sunday, closing the chapter on ten extraordinary years at the Etihad Stadium.
Guardiola’s departure comes just hours after Manchester City defeated Chelsea FC 1-0 at Wembley Stadium to lift the FA Cup, adding yet another trophy to an era defined by relentless success, tactical innovation, and domestic dominance.
During his tenure, Guardiola guided City to six Premier League titles, including an unprecedented run of four consecutive league championships, a feat unmatched in English top-flight history. He also delivered the club’s long-awaited first UEFA Champions League title, cementing Manchester City’s place among Europe’s elite football institutions.
In total, Guardiola won 20 trophies during his reign, reshaping both the club’s identity and the landscape of English football itself.
Reports indicate that City have already begun informing sponsors and commercial partners that an official announcement is imminent. Among those close to Guardiola, news of his likely departure has reportedly become an “open secret” in recent weeks.
The timing of the announcement is expected to allow supporters to celebrate Guardiola’s extraordinary legacy during Monday’s open-top bus parade in Manchester following the club’s FA Cup triumph. The celebrations are reportedly set to begin in Manchester’s Northern Quarter before concluding outside the Colin Bell Stand reception area at the Etihad Stadium.
Rumors surrounding Guardiola’s future have intensified for months, especially after repeated suggestions from the Catalan coach that he was contemplating ending his time in Manchester despite still having one year remaining on his contract.
While Guardiola is expected to step down as head coach, there is speculation he could remain associated with the club in another role after his managerial exit.
Attention is already turning toward potential successors.
Among the leading candidates are Enzo Maresca, the former Chelsea manager and a former Guardiola assistant at City, and Vincent Kompany, the former City captain who currently manages FC Bayern Munich.
Kompany, in particular, remains deeply admired by City supporters after captaining the club through some of the most transformative years in its modern history.
Despite the looming farewell, Guardiola’s final week in charge could still produce another historic achievement. Manchester City remain locked in a tense Premier League title battle with Arsenal FC and face AFC Bournemouth before their season finale against Aston Villa.
If City secure the title, Guardiola would leave the club having completed one final domestic double, a fitting conclusion to a managerial dynasty that redefined excellence in English football. For Manchester City fans, however, the looming reality is unavoidable: the architect of the club’s golden age is preparing to walk away from the touchline where he built a football empire.
