Guardiola set to make imminent decision over future as Man City sound out new manager

Suraj Radia

• 18 Mar 2026 11:30 CDT
• 4 min read

News

Pep Guardiola will make a decision over his future in the coming weeks, with Manchester City already considering potential options to be their next manager.

Speculation has continued to mount over Guardiola’s future and whether he will end his ten-year stint in Manchester this summer, particularly after City’s Champions League exit to Real Madrid this week.

Despite his contract running until 2027, Guardiola has regularly hinted that this season could be his last at City, although he has stopped short of confirming any intentions and has continued to speak as though he will still be manager next season.

However, the Daily Mail report that Guardiola is expected to take some time during the after City’s Carabao Cup final this Sunday to assess his options during the following international break.

City have already sounded out potential replacements in the dugout, although that is largely out of due diligence, having also done similar in 2021 when there were previous doubts over Guardiola’s future.

Enzo Maresca is still considered the favourite to take the role, with informal talks already having taken place and Guardiola allegedly having given his blessing to the ex-Chelsea boss succeeding him.

Guardiola: Everybody wants to fire me!

Guardiola remained defiant in light of City’s 2-1 loss to Real Madrid on Tuesday, which saw them dumped out of the Champions League by the Spanish giants for the fourth time in five years.

"Everybody wants to fire me! I have to win six Champions Leagues to be recognised,” Guardiola said after continually being asked about his future following the loss. “One day I will come out here and say 'bye, bye guys.' But for now, I am here.”

Perhaps tellingly, Guardiola spoke as though he would still be in charge next year, saying: “The future will be bright and next season we’ll be back. We are not a complete team yet, that is the reality...prepare good decisions for next season and we will be back in the Champions League."

What appears to be clearer is Guardiola’s desire to take a break from football, with the Spaniard saying last year that he could even ‘stop’ for ‘10 or 15 years.’

"I know that after this stage with City I'm going to stop, that's for sure. It's decided, more than decided,” Guardiola told GQ Spain in June 2025.

"I don't know how long I'll stop for, a year, two years, three years, five, ten, fifteen, I don't know. But I will leave after this spell with City because I need to stop and focus on myself, on my body."

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