Pep Guardiola holds the FA Cup trophy after Manchester City's win against Chelsea.
The players have known for some time now, and there were clues everywhere: Pep Guardiola’s repeated non-denials when quizzed about his future, and the disappearance of some coaching staff for new challenges.
Even Manchester City fans at the FA Cup final sensed something was up.
Guardiola has changed his mind before, but ITV News understands this is definitely it.
The two-year contract he signed a year ago now seems a useful PR smokescreen. This was always the plan.
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The club would not confirm reports on Monday night that the 55-year-old Catalan would take charge for the final time on Sunday against Aston Villa, but I understand they are preparing for his departure.
Guardiola led City to six Premier League and one Champions League titles, not to mention three FA Cups.
Whether Pep’s departure is confirmed before the end of the season is something the club must be wrestling with now, but the timing of the speculation is not helpful, given there are three important points at stake at Bournemouth tonight, if City are going to have any chance of snatching the Premier League title from Arsenal on the final day.
It’s expected that whenever they do come clean, Enzo Maresca, the former Chelsea boss, who is well-liked by City after his time there, will be named as his successor.
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