Pep Guardiola to leave Manchester City after final game against Aston Villa as successor named

Manchester City head coach Pep Guardiola is reportedly set to leave the club at the end of the season.

Just days after guiding City to the FA Cup final against Chelsea, a new report has claimed the Spaniard, who has won 20 major trophies with the side, will manage the Sky Blues for the final time when they face Aston Villa at the Etihad on Sunday (May 24).

According to the Mail, City have already informed their sponsors that an official announcement is imminent and will likely be made public on Sunday.

The report also suggests an open-top bus parade will take place in Manchester on Monday (May 25), regardless of whether City manage to pip Arsenal to the Premier League title.

Guardiola currently has one year remaining on his contract, with the Spaniard even suggesting that he would fulfil the agreement ahead of the FA Cup final.

When asked if the FA Cup final, potentially his last match as City manager at Wembley, brought him a tinge of sadness, he said: “No way. No way. I have one year [left on my] contract.”

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Guardiola remains focused on Bournemouth

Before Sunday, Guardiola and his squad will face Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium on Tuesday (May 19), knowing a defeat could see Arsenal win the Premier League for the first time in 22 years.

Despite the reports, Guardiola remained focused on the Bournemouth clash in his press conference on Monday.

“Bournemouth, Bournemouth, Bournemouth,” Guardiola said.

“17 games unbeaten. The run is unbelievable. What they have done after losing three players from last season’s successful back four and then going 17 games unbeaten is unbelievable.

“The only chance we have is to win, so we have to break that run. Otherwise, it will be over.

“They have always been difficult. In recent years, they have been tough, tough games.

“Last season in the Premier League, it was one of the worst defeats and performances.

“At the same time, in the quarter-final last season, we played really, really well. We will see which version of ourselves turns up tomorrow.

“We have three days, they have ten days to prepare for the game.

“They are playing to qualify for the Champions League. When you arrive at the final fixtures and the opponent doesn’t have anything to play for, it’s easier, but that is not the case.

“It is what it is. We know exactly what we have to do. It’s not complicated: we have to win and then beat Aston Villa.

“All we want is to be with our people at the end and try to fight for the title and extend it to Aston Villa. To do that, we need to beat Bournemouth.”

If he does call time on his career as City boss, Guardiola would leave as the club’s most successful manager. He is also second on the list of Premier League-winning managers with six titles, behind former Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, who won 13.

Several potential replacements have already been mooted, with former City defender and current Bayern Munich boss Vincent Kompany, as well as former Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca, reportedly admired by City.

According to The Athletic, the Italian is expected to replace Guardiola ahead of next season.