Manchester City have officially announced that Pep Guardiola will step down as manager following the club’s final match of the season against Aston Villa on Sunday.
The Spanish coach ends a highly successful period at the Etihad after guiding City to 17 major trophies across 10 seasons. His achievements include six Premier League titles and a Champions League triumph.
To recognise his contribution, the club revealed that the newly expanded north stand at the Etihad Stadium will carry Guardiola’s name. The stand will also fully open for the first time during his farewell match.
Guardiola Says the Moment Felt Right
Speaking about his departure, Guardiola explained that the decision came from personal feelings rather than outside factors.
He said he simply believed the time had arrived to move on and added that nothing lasts forever in football. Guardiola also spoke warmly about his connection with Manchester City and the memories built during his time at the club.
BBC Sport had earlier reported that City were already preparing for life after Guardiola despite his contract still having a year remaining.
Former Leicester City and Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca, who previously worked alongside Guardiola at City, is currently viewed as the leading option to replace him.
Departure Follows Another Domestic Success
Confirmation of Guardiola’s exit arrived shortly after City lost the Premier League title race to Arsenal for the 2025/26 season.
A draw against Bournemouth allowed Arsenal to secure the championship, ending their long wait for a league crown dating back to the 2003/04 campaign.
Even so, Guardiola’s final season still delivered silverware, with City lifting both the FA Cup and the League Cup.
A Decade Filled With Records and Trophies
Guardiola joined Manchester City in 2016 after leaving Bayern Munich. Although his first season ended without a trophy, City quickly became the dominant side in English football under his leadership.
His team reached 100 Premier League points during the 2017/18 season and also set a record by scoring 106 goals in a single league campaign.
In 2022/23, City completed the Treble by winning the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League in the same season. The club later became the first side in England to win four straight league titles after their 2023/24 success.
Across his time in Manchester, Guardiola collected six Premier League titles, one Champions League, three FA Cups, five League Cups and a FIFA Club World Cup.
Manchester City to Honour Guardiola’s Legacy
Although Guardiola will leave the manager’s role, Manchester City confirmed he will remain connected to the City Football Group as a global ambassador.
The club will also install a statue outside the renamed stand in his honour.
Owner Sheikh Mansour praised Guardiola’s influence, saying the coach permanently changed the identity of the club and represented the ambitions City had set both on and off the field.
Before joining City, Guardiola enjoyed trophy-winning spells with Barcelona and Bayern Munich. He also had a decorated playing career with Barcelona and represented Spain internationally before retiring in 2006.
