Pep Guardiola faces uncertain Manchester City future as key staff depart
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola faces growing uncertainty over his future at the club following the impending departures of key backroom staff this summer.
Long-serving fitness coach Lorenzo Buenaventura and goalkeeping coach Xabi Mancisidor are both set to leave the Etihad Stadium at the end of the current campaign.
Buenaventura’s exit is particularly significant given his 15-year working relationship with the 55-year-old manager across trophy-laden spells at Barcelona, Bayern Munich and City.
End of an era approaching
Club sources suggest it is difficult to imagine the Catalan coach operating without his trusted 63-year-old fitness specialist.
These coaching changes compound the confirmed summer departures of foundational first-team players Bernardo Silva and John Stones.
City executives have reportedly asked their highly successful boss for an indication regarding his plans beyond this season to prepare for all eventualities.
Former assistant Enzo Maresca has already been identified as the frontrunner to take charge should a managerial vacancy arise.
Title race and trophy hunt
Despite the intense speculation, the reigning champions remain focused on a tense Premier League title battle against Arsenal.
They currently trail the Gunners by two points with just two matches remaining in the 2025-26 season.
The former Barcelona tactician has repeatedly dismissed questions regarding his tenure to prioritise critical on-pitch matters.
His squad could secure a 20th major trophy of this managerial era when they face Chelsea in the FA Cup final on Saturday, having already lifted the Carabao Cup in March.
Contract status and burnout fears
The club hierarchy remain hopeful that their history-making manager will choose to fulfil his current contract, which runs until June 2027.
However, he has previously been open about the immense pressures of elite management and the constant risk of burnout.
A definitive decision is expected imminently as the Manchester side look to finalise their long-term sporting strategy and summer transfer plans.