Some endings feel like they’ve been coming for a while.
And others arrive in the most understated way possible.
That appears to be how Pep Guardiola is saying goodbye to Manchester City.
Not with a dramatic announcement.
Just a quiet “what rumours? Have a lovely evening”, and the certainty that the greatest managerial tenure is drawing to a close.
Enzo Maresca reaches agreement in principle to succeed Pep Guardiola at Manchester City
According to The Athletic, Manchester City have already identified and agreed terms in principle with Enzo Maresca as the man to succeed Pep Guardiola, with the former Chelsea manager understood to have an agreement with the club for a two-year contract until 2028, with the option of a third.
The legendary Guardiola still has one year remaining on his contract, until 2027.
Reports suggest that the 54-year-old will leave after Manchester City’s final game of the season against Aston Villa on May 24.
A game that could still decide the Premier League title if results go a specific way.
The choice of Maresca as successor is deliberate and considered.
He knows Manchester City from the inside, having served as part of Guardiola’s coaching staff before going on to win the Championship title with Leicester City.
His time at Stamford Bridge ended with his dismissal in January.
For City, the club isn’t looking for a revolution.
They’re looking for someone who can maintain what has been built.
And Maresca, more than almost any other candidate available, represents that.
What Guardiola has built at the Etihad across ten years is almost incomprehensible in its scale.
Six Premier League titles. An unprecedented four in a row, alongside a treble.
“What rumours? Have a lovely evening.”
And with that, the greatest manager in Premier League history may have said goodbye without anyone quite realising it in the moment.
His era is ending.
And we’re all lucky to have lived in it.
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