Pep Guardiola: Man City manager's Etihad future remains uncertain ahead of decisive week in Premier League title race
Pep Guardiola's Manchester City won the FA Cup on Saturday with a 1-0 win over Chelsea at Wembley; however, despite constant rumours circling around his future at the Etihad, club sources have not confirmed whether Pep will leave and Enzo Maresca will replace him
Monday 18 May 2026 10:59, UK
Pep Guardiola appears to be keeping everybody guessing as to whether this will be his last week in charge of Manchester City.
Only the 55-year-old knows for sure if he will leave after the remaining two games of the Premier League season or see out the remaining year on his contract until 2027.
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The widespread feeling and discussion in football currently is that Guardiola is expected to go, and Enzo Maresca is his likely replacement.
But this has not been confirmed by sources at City nor others close to him, and Guardiola has repeatedly insisted he is happy at the club.
Also, as far as City are concerned, the Catalan remains their manager and their focus is fully on the two crucial final games in the Premier League title race.
Ahead of their FA Cup final triumph, a 1-0 win over Chelsea on Saturday, Sky Sports News reported that two of his most trusted coaches will be leaving this summer, intensifying the doubt over Guardiola's long-term future at the Etihad.
However, before the game, Guardiola was keen to stress to all who asked that he still has one year left on his contract. Following the victory, though, Guardiola spoke glowingly of his team, implying a longer-term involvement in their development.
"The future is bright," he said.
"I know the guys, I know how they feel, the commitment to the club, very professional. I'm pretty sure we'll be there in the next years."
City hope to take the title race into the final day of the season by beating Bournemouth on Tuesday night, 24 hours after Arsenal face Burnley on Monday Night Football.
It is a decisive week; not only for the destination of the trophy, but also the future of Guardiola and the identity of the City head coach heading into next season.
Silva: Pep's future is his decision
Speaking after the FA Cup win, Bernardo Silva who is set to leave Man City this summer, told the BBC that Guardiola's future is up to him.
"He changed the way I see football, Silva said.
"Eighty per cent of my career was with him as my manager. All the things I hoped to achieve were with him. The relationship we have is very strong with the frustrations and the achievements.
"I care a lot about Man City. That's his decision [on whether he wants to leave]. It is not for me to comment on that. I wish him all the best. I enjoy being with him, having shared all these moments together."
Pep: FA Cup success gives Manchester City energy for title chase
Guardiola believes City's FA Cup triumph has given his side renewed energy for one final push in the title race.
City are clinging to the possibility they could still snatch the Premier League from Arsenal's grasp but know victories in their last two games against Bournemouth and Aston Villa might not be enough.
Guardiola is determined not to throw in the towel and they will head to the Vitality Stadium on Tuesday buoyant after beating Chelsea on Saturday to win their second domestic cup of the season.
"The fatigue will be the same but the energy will be different," the City manager said.
"It's not the best opponent for us after a game like Saturday but, at the same time, two games - Tuesday and Sunday.
"The cards are on the table. We know exactly what we have to do and we will try it.
"We try to extend (the title race). The only chance we have is to win the game and try to arrive in the last game against Villa with a chance."
