According to sources, Manchester City is preparing for the likelihood of losing Pep Guardiola as their manager at the end of the current season.
There is a prevailing belief among players and staff that Guardiola, who has been at the Etihad Stadium for a decade, will step down this summer.
The 55-year-old coach has consistently sidestepped inquiries regarding his future.
Sources associated with the club emphasized to ESPN on Monday that “nothing has changed” regarding Guardiola’s situation.
While Guardiola’s contract runs until 2027, he has a clause permitting him to leave at the end of this season.
Multiple sources have indicated that a departure is expected.
Nevertheless, club officials are eager to minimize distractions as the team remains competitive in the Premier League title race and have not yet publicly addressed Guardiola’s future.
Following Arsenal‘s 1-0 victory over Burnley at the Emirates on Monday, City must secure a win against Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium on Tuesday, or Arsenal will be crowned champions for the first time since 2004.
ESPN sources have reported that former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca is the frontrunner to succeed Guardiola. Maresca, who departed Stamford Bridge in January, has been approached about the position at the Etihad, where he previously acted as Guardiola’s assistant.
Guardiola recently clinched his 20th trophy as City’s manager with a 1-0 win over Chelsea in the FA Cup final on Saturday.
The club is planning a celebratory event to showcase both the FA Cup and the Carabao Cup, which was won against Arsenal in March, the day after their final match of the season against Aston Villa.
Additionally, sources indicate that the club intends to rename a stand at the Etihad in honor of Guardiola.