Man City preparing for Guardiola departure

Manchester City is making arrangements for Pep Guardiola's anticipated departure following the Premier League match against Aston Villa on Sunday.

According to sources who spoke with BBC Sport, there is a strong belief that Guardiola, the celebrated manager, will exit the Etihad Stadium when the season concludes.

While the club asserts that Guardiola has a contract for the upcoming season and remains optimistic about his retention, preparations for his expected exit are currently underway. Staff members are operating under the assumption that he will leave.

Furthermore, it is reported that players within the squad are also preparing for his potential departure after the final match of the season against Villa. The club is also focusing on how to properly honor the remarkable tenure of their legendary manager.

Enzo Maresca, the former manager of Chelsea who served under Guardiola at City, is currently seen as the leading candidate to take the reins from the 55-year-old manager.

During his decade-long tenure at the club, Guardiola has secured 17 major trophies - totaling 20 across all competitions - which includes six Premier League titles, the Champions League, three FA Cups, and five EFL Cups.

Widely regarded as one of the finest managers in football history, Guardiola still has the opportunity to conclude his outstanding stint at the Etihad Stadium by securing a seventh Premier League title, having already clinched both the FA Cup and the Carabao Cup this season.

Speculation regarding the future of the manager has been prevalent for several months, as inquiries about his longevity at Manchester City frequently arise during press conferences.

When asked on Friday if the upcoming trip to Wembley for the FA Cup final might be his last, he firmly responded, "No way," while reminding journalists of his "one more year" commitment on his contract.

In an interview with BBC Sport prior to the Saturday FA Cup final, when questioned about his presence at the club next season, he stated, "Yeah." The former managers of Barcelona and Bayern Munich further emphasized, "I am here, I have a contract."