Pep is gone, long live Pep 2.0!

Like a thunder in the middle of a sunny day, like an earthquake out of nowhere, the news broke that Pep Guardiola will be leaving Manchester City after 10 years at the Etihad, embellished with six Premier League titles (still in contention for the seventh), a UEFA Champions League crown, four FA Cup trophies, five League Cups, three Community Shields and a FIFA Club World Cup.

And much, much more... Guardiola's legacy will remain intact, as he transformed Manchester City into a true powerhouse and one of Europe's best clubs.

English media are buzzing: Pep is leaving City

According to the various credible sources, Guardiola's departure will officially take place at the end of this Premier League season. He will remain in charge for the final two matches, giving fans the chance to see him on the touchline one last time as City faces Bournemouth tonight (9.30 pm) and Aston Villa at home in the last round.

Moreover, it's the opposite of what Pep himself repeatedly said in recent days when asked about his possible exit from Manchester City.

On Friday, the reporters asked him whether the following day's trip to Wembley for the FA Cup final would be his last visit there. "No way. I am here, I have a contract."

Even yesterday, at a news conference to preview Tuesday's trip to Bournemouth, Guardiola was asked about Andoni Iraola's departure from the Cherries and whether he had thought about his own farewell.

He sighed and said, "Next. So many times - I have one more year."

Alas, that one year has, obviously, passed in just a few hours. All the relevant British media, including The Athletic, BBC and many others, confirmed the news through their sources, already speculating on the name of Pep's possible successor. Major outlets, such as BBC Sport, describe Guardiola's desire for a new challenge and hint at the fatigue following City’s record-breaking run of success. The Guardian points to Guardiola’s reported wish to end his tenure on a high after clinching another Premier League title. The Athletic mentions internal discussions at City regarding long-term planning and the timing of the announcement to ensure a smooth transition. Across the board, journalists agree that Guardiola’s departure marks the end of an extraordinary era, while sparking widespread interest about the club’s next direction.

Pep praises Chelsea's ex-boss Maresca ahead of clash with Blues: 'Incredible manager, incredible person'

Former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca, who served as Pep's assistant at City between June 2022 and June 2023, is the main candidate to replace the 55-year-old Spaniard. Maresca is best known for leading Leicester City to promotion back to the Premier League in his first season as head coach, showcasing an attack-minded style of play built on possession, tactical flexibility, and high pressing. His reputation for developing young talent and instilling a clear footballing identity has made him a sought-after manager and a compelling option to take over at Manchester City.

Maresca was sacked at Stamford Bridge in January despite being under contract until 2029. Although the Italian tactician worked under Pep and they even resemble each other a bit physically, there are significant differences in their football philosophies.

He considers another former Manchester City boss, Manuel Pellegrini, his "professional dad". He coached Maresca at Malaga and later appointed him as his assistant at West Ham. Defensively, it means that the back line would probably be a bit higher than we're used to with Pep. Also, he's associated with inverting a full-back into midfield, which he successfully did at Chelsea with Malo Gusto, Reece James and Marc Cucurella.

On the other hand, Maresca lacks Guardiola's charm and aura, making it harder for him to connect with fans and the media.

The Manchester City board, however, feels that he has all the abilities to - at least, try - filling the shoes of Pep Guardiola. Probably the most demanding task in football at the moment.

PREMIER LEAGUE - MATCHDAY 37

Friday

Aston Villa - Liverpool 4-2 (1-0)

/Rogers 42, Watkins 57, 73, McGinn 89 - Van Dijk 52, 90+2/

Sunday

Manchester United - Nottingham Forest 3-2 (1-0)

/Shaw 5, Cunha 55, Mbeumo 76 - Morato 53, Gibbs-White 78/

Brentford - Crystal Palace 2-2 (1-1)

/Outtara 40,88 - Sarr 6 pen, Wharton 52/

Everton - Sunderland 1-3 (1-0)

/Rohl 43 - Brobbey 59, Le Fee 81, Isidor 90+1/

Leeds - Brighton 1-0 (0-0)

/Calvert-Lewin 90+6/

Wolves - Fulham 1-1 (1-1)

/Mane 25 - Robinson 45+3/

Newcastle - West Ham 3-1 (2-0)

/Woltemade 15, Osula 19,65 - Castellanos 69/

Monday

Arsenal - Burnley 1-0 (1-0)

/Havertz 37/

Tuesday

21.30: (4.90) Bournemouth (3.90) Man City (1.70)

22.15: (2.15) Chelsea (3.50) Tottenham (3.30)

***odds are subject to change***