Pep Guardiola to leave Man City at the end of the season with former assistant lined up to replace him – Paper Round

The Spaniard joined in 2016 and has won 20 trophies with City across a decade-long reign, which includes six Premier League titles and the Champions League in 2023. They could yet win a 21st trophy under Guardiola if they are able to overtake leaders Arsenal.

The Mail reports: ”It is thought that City have begun to tell their sponsor partners that the announcement is imminent. The news has also been an open secret among some of those close to Guardiola.

”It is expected that the news will be confirmed some time on Sunday, in time for Guardiola’s stunning impact on English football to be celebrated at an open-top bus parade on Monday.

”It is said the parade build-up will start at Manchester's Northern Quarter at 4pm before finishing outside the Colin Bell Stand reception at the Etihad Stadium an hour later.”

Former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca is expected to replace Guardiola, the Athletic adds, with the Italian having previously worked under him at City.

Maresca left Chelsea on New Year’s Day having reportedly already held talks with City about the possibility of replacing Guardiola, should he leave in the summer.

The Athletic adds: ”Just as it looks certain that Guardiola will leave, it appears that Maresca could be the chosen replacement. That might split opinion among supporters, not least because many would have been hoping for Vincent Kompany, but what is certain is that Guardiola and Maresca have become close and there are similarities between them.

”Many Chelsea players speak very highly of Maresca and those at City during the Italian’s time as Guardiola’s assistant, and in his role as Under-23s boss, say that he is an extremely detailed, personable coach.

”Considering the potential for a new manager and the departures of long-serving Guardiola cornerstones like Stones and Silva, this is shaping up to be a big summer of change at City.”

West Ham face selling more than £100m worth of players should they be relegated from the Premier League, the Guardian reports, with the club having reported losses of £104.2m in their last set of accounts.

The Guardian adds: ”They are on the brink of going down after losing 3-1 at Newcastle on Sunday. Their fate will in effect be confirmed if Tottenham draw at Chelsea on Tuesday night and sealed if Spurs win.

”West Ham are realistic enough to know they will probably be in the Championship next season.”

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