Guardiola’s Man City future in doubt after Champions League exit

March 23, 2026 Oliver Obel

Pep Guardiola’s long-term future at Manchester City remains unresolved, with growing speculation about whether the club’s most successful manager will continue beyond next season.

The Spaniard is under contract until 2027 and has consistently said he intends to honor his agreements. On paper, that would keep him at the Etihad Stadium through the 2026/27 campaign. But recent developments have cast doubt on what had once seemed straightforward.

Speaking after City’s Champions League exit to Real Madrid, Guardiola gave a characteristically ambiguous response when asked about his future.

"Oh, everybody wants to fire me, right," he said. "Oh my god, guys. One day I will come here and say, ‘bye bye, guys'.

I’m here, one more year of contract."

His comments have done little to quiet ongoing debate, particularly during a season in which City have struggled to meet their usual standards. With the Premier League title slipping out of reach, domestic cup competitions now represent their only realistic chance of silverware.

Despite the dip, there is no suggestion that Manchester City’s hierarchy is considering a managerial change. Guardiola, who has delivered multiple league titles and a Champions League triumph during his tenure, remains central to the club’s identity and long-term project.

However, reporting from transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano indicates that contingency planning is already in motion behind the scenes.

According to Romano, City are prepared to wait for Guardiola to make a final decision on his future. If he remains, the situation stays unchanged. But should he choose to step away, the club already has a preferred successor in mind.

Romano reports that Enzo Maresca is viewed internally as a leading candidate to eventually take over. The Italian previously worked under Guardiola at City before moving into head coaching roles at Leicester City and Chelsea.

"Maresca has not had so far any sort of contact with Tottenham or Manchester United," Romano said, adding that people close to the coach are aware of City’s interest.

Guardiola himself has spoken highly of Maresca in the past, notably after his departure from Chelsea earlier this season.

"Only I can say that Chelsea, I think from my point of view, lose an incredible, incredible manager. Incredible person, but it’s a decision from the hierarchy from Chelsea, so nothing to say.”

For now, the situation remains open. Much will depend on Guardiola’s own timeline and whether he feels his cycle at City is nearing its natural conclusion after nearly a decade in charge.

Sources: Fabrizio Romano (YouTube), Manchester City coverage, media reports