Fresh uncertainty is growing around Pep Guardiola’s future at Manchester City after the impending departure of one of his closest long-term allies intensified speculation surrounding a possible exit.
Fitness coach Lorenzo Buenaventura is reportedly leaving Manchester City at the end of the season following 15 years working alongside Guardiola across spells at City, FC Bayern Munich and FC Barcelona.
Goalkeeping coach Xabier Mancisidor is also expected to depart this summer, adding further weight to suggestions that a major transition may be approaching at the Etihad Stadium.
Guardiola future speculation intensifying
Guardiola is currently in his 10th season at Manchester City and remains under contract until June 2027.
Despite repeatedly dismissing speculation publicly throughout the campaign, uncertainty surrounding his long-term future has continued building behind the scenes.
Reports last month suggested City’s hierarchy wanted clarity from Guardiola regarding whether he intends to complete the final year of his deal or leave earlier than expected.
City’s internal evolution closely over recent seasons, the departures of trusted staff members such as Buenaventura are naturally being interpreted as potentially significant developments. Club figures reportedly struggle to imagine Guardiola operating without one of his most loyal and influential collaborators.
The timing also coincides with broader squad changes.
Bernardo Silva and John Stones are both expected to leave Manchester City this summer after playing central roles throughout Guardiola’s era of dominance.
Enzo Maresca emerging as leading successor option
Manchester City are understood to have already begun contingency planning should Guardiola decide to walk away.
Former Chelsea F.C. manager Enzo Maresca has reportedly emerged as the leading internal candidate to replace him.
Maresca previously worked as Guardiola’s assistant and remains highly respected inside City’s structure because of his tactical understanding and familiarity with the club’s footballing identity.
The situation remains fluid, though.
City are still hopeful Guardiola will stay and complete his contract, particularly given recent signs that he remains emotionally invested in the project. The club won the Carabao Cup earlier this year and could secure another trophy when they face Chelsea in Saturday’s FA Cup final.
| Pep Guardiola at Manchester City | Record |
|---|---|
| Seasons in charge | 10 |
| Contract expiry | June 2027 |
| Major trophies won | 19 |
| Potential trophy this season | FA Cup |
source: club records – 13 May 2026
City also remain alive in the Premier League title race, sitting two points behind Arsenal F.C. with two matches remaining.
Guardiola previously admitted desire for break
The manager himself has already acknowledged the long-term physical and mental demands of elite coaching.
Speaking recently to ESPN Brazil, Guardiola admitted he intends to step away from football temporarily whenever his City spell finally concludes.
“After my contract with City, I’m going to stop. I’m sure.” — Pep Guardiola
“I don’t know if I’m going to retire, but I’m going to take a break.” — Pep Guardiola
Those comments continue fuelling speculation that the end of Guardiola’s era may now be approaching faster than previously expected.
What’s next?
Manchester City are expected to continue internal discussions with Guardiola once the season concludes, with the club eager to secure clarity before accelerating summer planning.
The departures of Buenaventura and Mancisidor may ultimately prove unrelated to Guardiola’s own future, but they undeniably strengthen the perception that a significant transition period could soon begin at the Etihad.
For now, Guardiola remains fully focused on finishing the campaign strongly — but questions surrounding what comes next are only becoming louder.
Would Manchester City still dominate English football after Pep Guardiola eventually leaves, or is his influence impossible to truly replace?
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