Last Updated: April 8 2026 | 10:30 BST
Manchester City have lifted their first piece of silverware this season after Pep Guardiola masterminded a 2-0 Carabao Cup victory over Arsenal at Wembley – but could that be the final title the legendary Spanish manager adds to the Etihad trophy cabinet? Despite his contract running for another year and Man City failing to dominate English football like they used to, there’s every chance that The City Group will be seeking the Spaniard’s successor in the coming months.
Pep Guardiola backed for international manager’s job
Elite football club adviser Keith Wyness has told Football Insider that not only is Guardiola potentially “unsettled and unhappy” at the Etihad, but he also might have his eyes on an international manager’s job after the World Cup. As is usually the case after major international tournaments, jobs open up. Luis de la Fuente has been in charge of Spain since 2022, with his current contract running until the end of the 2028 European Championships across the UK and Ireland. Could a bad performance in North America this summer expedite his exit from that role – a role that Guardiola might be super keen on?
Enzo Maresca odds-on favourite to replace Pep Guardiola
Replacing one of the greatest managers of all time won’t be easy, but the early betting markets suggest that chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak is willing to essentially ‘keep it in the family’, with ex-City coach and Guardiola disciple Enzo Maresca the current odds-on favourite. Maresca has had three jobs in management: Parma, Leicester and Chelsea. He’s out of work after leaving Stamford Bridge on New Year’s Day, despite leading the West London club to the UEFA Conference League and FIFA Club World Cup titles last year. PSG manager Luis Enrique and former Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso are also among the contenders right now, but if the bookmakers’ list is anything to go by, Maresca is a nailed-on choice to replace Guardiola.
Early in April 2026, the odds also tumbled on Manchester City legend Vincent Kompany replacing Guardiola at the Etihad Stadium. The former club captain is doing an excellent job at Bayern Munich and would certainly be a popular choice with supporters. Reports in the media have suggested that Guardiola will make a decision on his future late in the campaign. He has a year remaining on his contract, but there is a school of thought that he might depart at the end of the 2025-26 term.
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