How Will Manchester City Cope Without Pep Guardiola?

BusinessSportsMoneyHow Will Manchester City Cope Without Pep Guardiola?ByGraham Ruthven,Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. I am a soccer writer based in the United KingdomFollow AuthorMay 19, 2026, 07:25am EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 16: Head Coach Pep Guardiola of Manchester City after his sides 1-0 win during the Emirates FA Cup Final match between Chelsea and Manchester City on May 16, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images)Getty ImagesThe rumours had grown for a number of weeks when it was widely reported on Monday that this would be Pep Guardiola’s final season as Manchester City manager. After 10 years in the job at the Etihad Stadium, one of the greatest managers in Premier League history will bid farewell to City and English soccer this summer.Guardiola has defined an entire era of the sport. His influence has changed the game forever and so it’s difficult to envisage what the Premier League will be like without him. City will have a contingency plan in place, but how can it possibly ever replace someone of Guardiola’s status?Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca (right) and Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola before the Premier League match at the Etihad Stadium, Manchester. Picture date: Saturday January 25, 2025. (Photo by Martin Rickett/PA Images via Getty Images)PA Images via Getty ImagesEnzo Maresca has reportedly been lined up to succeed Guardiola. The former Chelsea and Leicester City manager worked alongside Guardiola as a coach at Manchester City and has been out of work since departing Stamford Bridge earlier this season. Maresca is ready to step up as his mentor’s replacement.However, Manchester City will surely suffer some sort of drop-off when Guardiola leaves. The 55-year-old is the most compelling character in the modern game. He has demonstrated his ability to rebuild...