Man City preparing for Guardiola departure

Breaking news from the world of sport: Man City preparing for Guardiola departureImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Pep Guardiola has won 17 major trophies - and 20 in all - in his 10-year spell at Etihad StadiumBySami Mokbel Senior football correspondentPublished6 minutes agoManchester City are preparing for Pep Guardiola's exit after Sunday's Premier League match against Aston Villa. Sources have told Sport that the managerial great is expected to leave Etihad Stadium at the end of the season. City maintain Guardiola has a contract for next season and are hopeful he will remain as manager.

However, work towards his anticipated exit is under way at the club, with members of staff of the understanding he will leave. It is understood members of the squad are also anticipating his departure after the final game of the season againt Villa, while the club have turned their attentions towards how best to mark the tenure of their iconic boss. Former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca, who worked under Guardiola at City, is the front-runner to replace the 55-year-old.

Guardiola has led City to 17 major trophies - and 20 in all - including six Premier League titles, the Champions League, three FA Cups and five EFL Cups during his 10 years at City. The club's greatest boss is widely regarded as one of the best managers of all time, and could yet still cap his stellar spell at Etihad Stadium with a seventh Premier League title, having already won the FA Cup and the Carabao Cup this season. Related topicsFootballPremier LeagueManchester CityMore on this storyLatest Manchester City news, analysis and fan viewsAsk about Man City - what do you want to know?

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