Guardiola Apologises To City Squad After Exit Leak As Maresca Deal Emerges

Pep Guardiola has apologised to his players after news of his imminent departure from Manchester City broke earlier than planned.

According to a report by The Sun, the City manager held a late-night group call with his squad on Monday to confirm he will step down at the end of the season. Guardiola had hoped to delay the announcement and was said to be frustrated by the leak.

The 55-year-old’s final match at the Etihad is set to be this weekend’s Premier League clash with Aston Villa. He still has two games left in charge, starting with Tuesday night’s trip to AFC Bournemouth. A failure to win could hand the title to Arsenal.

Players were reportedly stunned by the development after being told as recently as Saturday that Guardiola would remain in charge.

Attention has already turned to his successor. Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano reports that Enzo Maresca has reached a full verbal agreement to take over.

The former Chelsea head coach is expected to sign an initial three-year contract and assume control ahead of next season.

Naija News reports that Maresca, 46, has long been viewed as the leading candidate to succeed Guardiola due to his familiarity with the club’s system. Recall that the Italian tactician had served as Guardiola’s assistant coach, and also worked as a coach in the club’s academy.

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