Pep Guardiola will depart Manchester City at the end of the current season, concluding a ten-year tenure that saw the club achieve unparalleled success. The official confirmation, widely reported Friday, May 22, 2026, marks the end of an era for the Premier League club and its Spanish manager. Guardiola, 55, stated, "There is no particular reason, but deep down, I know the time has come."
Guardiola's departure from Manchester City, after a decade marked by numerous titles and tactical innovations, has been officially announced. He will leave at the end of the 2025-2026 season.
A Legacy of Titles and Tactical Revolution
During his decade at the helm, Guardiola transformed Manchester City into a dominant force, both domestically and internationally. His trophy haul includes numerous Premier League titles, domestic cups, and a Champions League, solidifying his status as the club's most decorated manager. His tactical approach, characterized by possession-based play, building from the back, and the crucial role of a ball-playing goalkeeper, has left an indelible mark on English football, with his methods reportedly adopted across various professional divisions.
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The manager's departure was anticipated by the media, with reports circulating for several days prior to the official announcement.
Guardiola's final match in charge is scheduled for Sunday, May 24, 2026, against Aston Villa, marking the close of the Premier League season.
Speculation regarding his successor has already begun, with Enzo Maresca, a former Chelsea manager, reportedly emerging as a frontrunner.
Unpacking the Decision and Future
While Guardiola himself has offered no specific reasons for his departure, he has indicated a feeling that "the time has come," drawing parallels to his departure from Barcelona, where he felt a similar need to step away at the opportune moment. This suggests a conscious decision to avoid overstaying his welcome and to leave on a high note, rather than lingering into a "season too many."
The manager's decision comes after a season where Manchester City secured the FA Cup and the League Cup, alongside their league success.
However, the club also experienced a notable dip in form mid-season, including a seven-match winless streak between late October and early December, and a Champions League exit in the Round of 16 against Real Madrid.
Guardiola's average points-per-match record in the Premier League stands at an impressive 2.28, the highest in the history of the league.
Farewell Festivities and Lingering Questions
A parade is scheduled in Manchester on Monday, May 25, 2026, initially intended to celebrate the women's team's league title and the recent FA Cup victory. The event is now also expected to serve as a farewell to Guardiola. The five-time Premier League champion has been a transformative figure for the club, often described as having brought about an "industrial revolution" in its approach to the game.
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Josep Guardiola i Sala, born January 18, 1971, has managed Manchester City since July 1, 2016.
His previous coaching stints include successful periods at Barcelona B, Barcelona, and Bayern Munich.
His career as a player concluded in 2006 after a stint at Dorados Sinaloa.
