Pep Guardiola to LEAVE Man City with ex-Chelsea boss preparing to replace him

Manchester City need to beat Bournemouth on Tuesday night to keep alive any hope of overhauling Arsenal in their title fight – but breaking news on Monday night may well distract Pep Guardiola and his players

Pep Guardiola will leave Manchester City at the end of this season, bringing the curtain down on a glorious reign which has seen him win 20 trophies in a decade of brilliance.

It’s understood Guardiola has decided the time is right for him to stand down. He still has 12 months remaining on his current deal, but believes he needs a break from the game before embarking on his next challenge.

Former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca is the favourite to replace Guardiola at the Etihad before next season and is understood to be ready to take charge.

Club bosses are now preparing for the Spaniard’s exit, with members of staff of the understanding he is going to leave. His final game will be this weekend’s visit of Aston Villa.

City had been planning a farewell tribute to departing duo John Stones and Bernardo Silva. But are now putting plans in place to recognise the seismic contribution Guardiola has made to the club as well, on what promises to be an emotional afternoon.

FOLLOW OUR ARSENAL FB PAGE! Latest Gunners news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page

READ MORE: Champions League final decision leaves UEFA furious over big blow to Arsenal fansREAD MORE: Xabi Alonso’s Chelsea backroom staff confirmed with seven-man list revealed

Doing justice to one of the most iconic managers in history will be almost impossible, although chairman Khaldoon Al-Mubarak will commission a statue of Guardiola outside the stadium.

Guardiola has won six league titles, including a record four on the spin. He led City to a record four straight FA Cup finals, and famously won the Treble in 2023. The club’s greatest boss is also widely regarded as one of the best managers of all time.

He had hoped to land a seventh Premier League title this season, although this now looks unlikely, with Arsenal in pole position to become champions.

Guardiola, who has won both domestic cups this season, saw the strain on his long distance relationship with wife Cristina Serra take its toll, when the couple announced last August they would be divorcing.