Manchester City

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  1. Gossip: Guardiola has endorsed Marescapublished at 07:58 BST 20 May

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    Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has endorsed Enzo Maresca's appointment as his successor, with the Italian courted by AC Milan, Tottenham and Real Madrid since he left Chelsea. (Talksport), external

    Spaniard Guardiola will take a year-long sabbatical after leaving Manchester City before taking a job coaching a national team. (Sport - in Spanish), external

    Everton's interest in FC Midtjylland's Chile winger Dario Osorio, 22, is unlikely to impact a deal being done for 30-year-old England attacker Jack Grealish following his loan spell from Manchester City. (Football Insider), external

    Want more transfer stories? Read Wednesday's full gossip column

    Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

  2. Bournemouth 1-1 Man City: What Guardiola and Silva saidpublished at 22:41 BST 19 May

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    Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola, speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "Second half when we made the substitutes, the impact was not what we needed - but 12 days to prepare for that game against three.

    "We gave everything - a successful season, so I am really pleased. We fought against things we cannot control. At the end, we tried, tried and tried again. Really pleased with how we behaved.

    "The action for offside for Erling Haaland the linesman, was up so quick. It would be nice to allow him to finish the action.

    "We gave everything and, of course, congratulate Arsenal, Mikel [Arteta], the backroom staff and the players.

    "Fatigue was a big part today and took a big part of the game."

    On his future with the club: "Allow me to talk with my chairman. I have one more year [on the] contract.

    "When I finish the season every time we talk about it. I never talk with anyone. First of all, I talk with my chairman and my bosses.

    "To talk we need to talk to him. What we have to do next season to you, your colleagues. I have from my experience when the boss or manager is anticipating he is leaving - the players don't follow you any more. You have to lead. Now is the moment to talk to him.

    "The competition and all these kinds of things you have to prove again and again and again. So that is honestly a really good season."

    Captain Bernardo Silva, speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "Disappointment. We know this is the main title for the season because it is the longest.

    "It is the one you work the most for. We gave it a fight, we fought until the end. Proud of the guys, but it is not enough at this level.

    "I hope for the next season they can have this feeling of not regret, but a bit of something inside that makes them go even more. They have the quality and they have the potential.

    "I hate the feeling of losing. If you want to be in a club like Manchester City you have to be like that. It is not enough at the football club, especially as the Premier League is the main target for the club.

    "Hopefully, they can have that feeling of wanting to achieve more for the next season."

    Hit play below to hear more from Silva, or listen here on BBC Sounds

    Explore all Man City audio on BBC Sounds

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    Did you know?

    • For the first time in his managerial career, Manchester City's Pep Guardiola has failed to win the league title in consecutive seasons in charge.

  3. Analysis: End of an era on Sunday?published at 21:56 BST 19 May

    Shamoon Hafez
    Manchester City reporter

    Pep Guardiola applauds the Manchester City fans while looking disappointedImage source, Getty Images

    If Pep Guardiola's 10-year trophy-filled tenure is drawing to a close, he will have to make do with the FA Cup and Carabao Cup as a final flourish.

    Manchester City's chase for the title came to a halt in Bournemouth and the 55-year-old will leave the job having won six Premier League titles while in charge, but having had two consecutive seasons without finishing top for the first time in his career.

    This was a must-win game for City if they wanted to extend the race for five more days, but the home game against Aston Villa on Sunday is now anticipated to be Guardiola's farewell.

    City had beaten their opponents in 16 of their 17 Premier League meetings but have now failed to win back-to-back games at this stadium, with this setback proving decisive as they ended with a whimper.

    The visitors played like a side distracted by other matters and despite a rally in injury-time when Rodri struck the post and Erling Haaland pulled a goal back in the 95th minute, a draw was not enough.

    The returning Antoine Semenyo thought he had scored against his former club but his effort was ruled out for offside, while the league's top scorer Haaland saw a thumping shot from the angle blocked by Evanilson.

    Guardiola and his side must gather themselves for one final game which is bound to be an emotional affair, as Italian Enzo Maresca waits in the wings to take over.

  4. Man City title hopes over - send us your thoughtspublished at 21:28 BST 19 May

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    Manchester City's Premier League title hopes are over following their 1-1 draw at Bournemouth.

    How are you feeling? Are you deflated after coming up just short? Or was this expected given it wasn't in City's hands?

    Get in touch with your views here

    Come back on Wednesday for a selection of your replies

  5. Bournemouth v Man City: Team newspublished at 18:31 BST 19 May

    Bournemouth starting XI vs Man City - Petrovic, Smith, Hill, Senesi, Truffert, Adams, Scott, Rayan, Kroupi, Tavernier, Evanilson

    In his final home game in charge of Bournemouth, Andoni Iraola makes one change from the side that edged past Fulham.

    Tyler Adams comes into the side and takes the armband, replacing Ryan Christie, who was named in Scotland's World Cup squad earlier today.

    Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola makes two changes from Saturday's FA Cup final win over Chelsea.

    There is a surprise start for Mateo Kovacic, with the Croatian in a midfield three alongside captain Bernardo Silva and Rodri, while Gianluigi Donnarumma returns in goal.

    Omar Marmoush and James Trafford drop to the bench, with Rayan Cherki also named as a substitute again.

    Manchester City line-up vs Bournemouth - Donnarumma, Nunes, Khusanov, Guehi, O'Reilly, Semenyo, Kovacic, Rodri, Silva, Doku, Haaland
  6. Follow Tuesday's Premier League games livepublished at 18:06 BST 19 May

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    There are two crucial games in the Premier League on Tuesday, with major implications for both the title race and the relegation battle, and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.

    Follow all of the action and reaction

    You can also listen to today's Premier League commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Bournemouth v Man City" or "ask BBC Sounds to play Chelsea v Tottenham".

    Find out more about how to listen to Premier League football on BBC Sounds

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  7. 'How do you begin to replace the irreplaceable?'published at 16:43 BST 19 May

    Emily Brobyn
    Fan writer

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    Enzo Maresca talks to Pep Guardiola.Image source, Getty Images

    How do you begin to replace the irreplaceable?

    With the news that Pep Guardiola is set to step down from his role as Manchester City manager after 10 remarkable years in charge at the end of the week, the void that he will leave feels insurmountable.

    It's 20 trophies in a decade of dominance and brilliance. Records toppled. Centurions, a domestic quadruple, a Treble, four Premier League titles in a row and a domestic Double. These are unrealistic standards for any manager to be held to - so nobody would envy the act that is to follow.

    Step forward Enzo Maresca. The Italian is said to be the chosen one to follow in such historic footsteps - and he's no stranger to the club. Maresca worked with City's Elite Development squad back in 2021 - he won the Premier League 2 with them. He also worked under Pep as part of his backroom team during the Treble season in 2023. He went on to win the Championship with Leicester City, before moving to Chelsea and winning both the Conference League and the Club World Cup, before his departure in December 2025.

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    Maresca's appointment will be with the blessing of Pep. He's achieved greatness at the club alongside him in 2023, although going it alone is an entirely different proposition. He applies the same coaching ethos towards his teams. His relatively modest time in management has enjoyed silverware. He has the foundations to build on, although some question whether Maresca is merely a bridge to eventually appointing Vincent Kompany, former City captain and current head coach of Bayern Munich.

    Maresca did have a failed spell at Parma, but ultimately, the downside to any appointment City make post-Pep is that it isn't Pep Guardiola. It isn't the man who gave City fans the best 10 years of their lives. It's unrealistic to expect that continuity from anybody else.

    But it's looking like the time has come for change - and, if Maresca is the chosen one to follow on from the greatest, he deserves the right to be given a chance and the backing by fans to see what he can deliver for the club. If he's good enough for Pep, let's hope he's good enough for City.

    Emily Brobyn is regularly on BBC Radio Manchester - find all their Man City audio here

  8. Bournemouth v Man City: Key stats and talking pointspublished at 16:34 BST 19 May

    Tom McCoy
    BBC Sport journalist

    BBC Sport examines some of the key themes before Tuesday's match (19:30 BST), with Manchester City needing a win to keep their title hopes alive.

    This will be Andoni Iraola's final home game as Bournemouth boss and comes with his team on the brink of qualifying for Europe for the first time.

    A point would ensure the Cherries can finish no lower than eighth, which – as a result of Manchester City's victory in the FA Cup final – will be worth a place in next season's Conference League. Even if they lose, a top-eight spot will be assured if Chelsea fail to beat Tottenham in Tuesday's other game.

    A strong end to the campaign could take Bournemouth into the Europa League or even Champions League. They will boost their chances of overtaking Liverpool to secure a top-five berth if they beat City. Finishing sixth would also send them into Europe's most prestigious competition if Aston Villa win Wednesday's Europa League final and end the season fifth.

    Why the Cherries rank above Bayern

    While Bournemouth have a miserable head-to-head record against City, they are a team in form. Iraola's side are unbeaten in the league since losing to Arsenal on 3 January, a run of 16 games.

    Not only is that the longest current unbeaten streak in the Premier League, two ahead of City, it is also the longest such run active in the top five European leagues – one ahead of German giants Bayern Munich.

    A chart showing the Premier League sides currently on the longest unbeaten run. Bournemouth, undefeated in 16 top-flight games, lead the way, with Manchester City second (14 games)

    City aim to keep treble dream alive

    Victory in Saturday's FA Cup final gave Manchester City their 16th major honour under Pep Guardiola – 20 once Community Shields and Super Cups are factored in.

    But City's hopes of adding yet more silverware hinge on beating Bournemouth.

    They will take confidence from the remarkably one-sided nature of their previous top-flight meetings with the Cherries.

    City have won 16 of 17 games, with their win rate of 94% the highest by any team in a Premier League fixture played at least 10 times.

    However, their flawless record ended last season when they lost 2-1 at Vitality Stadium. In fact, Guardiola's side are winless in their past four league games on the south coast, losing three of those matches.

    A pie chart illustrating Manchester City's dominance against Bournemouth. City have won 16 of 17 meeting in the Premier League, scoring 52 goals and conceding 11
  9. Sutton's predictions: Bournemouth v Man Citypublished at 16:33 BST 19 May

    Sutton's predictions graphic

    Manchester City's players will be feeling pretty good about themselves anyway after winning the FA Cup on Saturday, but now they must be thinking 'let's give one last push for Pep', with manager Pep Guardiola looking set to step down at the end of the season.

    Arsenal are in still in control of the title race after beating Burnley on Monday but City will be desperate to take it to the final day, and I think they will.

    Bournemouth are a very good team and they have plenty to play for too - this is Andoni Iraola's final home game in charge and the Cherries know sixth place will get them in Europe and could even get them in the Champions League.

    It would not surprise me if they got something from this game but, with what is at stake for City, I am backing them to find a way to win.

    Bournemouth are an attack-minded team, can be quite direct when they want to be and they will get after City and have a go at them - but I think City will exploit the space they leave behind.

    Sutton's prediction: 1-2

    Make your own prediction here, external

  10. Chelsea did not want to lose Marescapublished at 16:33 BST 19 May

    Chelsea reporter Nizaar Kinsella picture byline banner

    Having spent significant time with Enzo Maresca during his 18 months at Chelsea, it is clear he would slot seamlessly into City.

    You would be hard pressed to find a coach more similar in style to Pep Guardiola, whom Maresca idolised while facing his Barcelona side as a player in La Liga.

    He transformed Chelsea into a possession-based side built on slow, patient build-up. They lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation in almost every match, although the fluid movement of players allowed them to adapt to opponents and keep them guessing from game to game.

    His final six months at Chelsea were marked by a fractured relationship with the club's ownership, who were aware of City's interest early in the season through the Italian's agent Jorge Mendes, alongside hearing his complaints over transfers at Stamford Bridge.

    Despite the tension, and partly blaming him for a drop in form that followed his mid-season exit and Chelsea's decline this season, the hierarchy respected much of his work with the players, and he remained popular with the majority of the dressing room.

    That said, the London club say they are due compensation under the terms of Maresca's departure, and are exploring their legal options.

    Chelsea expect a compensation package to be paid by either Manchester City or the manager himself, but it remains unclear either how much or when it would be resolved.

    Maresca would argue that an agreement has only recently been reached with City and this is the basis of ongoing legal discussions between the two parties.

    Asked about his exit at CAA World Congress of Sports, influential Chelsea owner Behdad Eghbali said last month: "The change wasn't the club's decision, for reasons I can't speak about legally.

    "I think the reasons will become kind of clear in due course. But no, it's not a change we wanted to make."

  11. 'Guardiola doesn't have anything else to prove at Man City'published at 15:02 BST 19 May

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    Watch the panel on BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club discuss the news that Pep Guardiola is expected to leave Manchester City at the end of the season.

    "He doesn't have anything else to prove at City," said former Premier League striker Chris Sutton. "Ten years is a particularly long stint, he's given his all, and maybe he just wants a break or a different challenge."

    The Observer's Rory Smith added: "I think City would have had a plan in place regardless and will have known what they want to do, but until recently I don't think their hierarchy knew one way or another.

    "They knew it was a possibility Guardiola would go at the end of the season but I don't think they didn't have confirmation.

    "I didn't think he wanted to go unless he won the Premier League or Champions League, but at the same time 10 years [in charge at City] is way longer than anyone thought."

    Watch the full episode on BBC iPlayer and listen on BBC Sounds

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  12. Maresca 'only logical choice' but 'anyone a downgrade on Pep'published at 13:36 BST 19 May

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    Enzo Maresca looks on while manager of ChelseaImage source, Getty Images

    We asked for your views after BBC Sport reported that Enzo Maresca is set to replace Pep Guardiola as Manchester City manager at the end of the season.

    Here are some of your comments:

    Paul: Maresca has been tutored well by Pep. He has knowledge of the City hierarchy and how it works. The players and structure are already in place for him. I can only foresee further success, maybe not on the scale of Pep, but City will not fall off a cliff like some clubs have.

    Andrew: Maresca was building a very strong reputation until he fell foul of Chelsea - Tuchel and others show that he is not the first person for that to happen to. Let's not forget that he won cups with a young and disjointed team, so I am optimistic, plus he has been observed day in and day out, so City know what they are getting.

    Cordz: Not a fan of Maresca, rather Kompany, as his connection to us will mean he will put his soul into getting it right.

    David: Maresca clearly knows City's set-up which will be an advantage, did quite well at Chelsea but not fantastically, and is not yet at that elite manager level. If they appoint him, he will need to perform quickly - as Pep said when he joined, you have to win. He is a risk, but presumably Pep has given him the green light, or they would not proceed.

    Oscar: I don't think he is the right fit for the football club. He's not been in a job for a while. I think we should target Kompany.

    Alan: Maresca taking over from Pep is a no-brainer. The jobs he did at Leicester and then at Chelsea were quite remarkable. His appointment almost guarantees another 10 years of winning everything in sight. Welcome, Enzo (or Pep 2).

    Harry: Anyone is a downgrade on Pep. At least with Maresca, we get stability, a familiar face and someone who actually speaks their mind. Regardless of how his tenure goes, he'll be the Manchester City manager. If he shows pride in that, doesn't give us excuses and does his absolute best, then he's got my confidence. It's too soon for Kompany. Luis Enrique is unrealistic. Enzo is the only logical choice, time will tell if he can fill the boots. Good luck, gaffer.

    Darren: Not sure. He's OK, but does he have the same drive and determination?

    This is your Man City page. Bookmark it and come back for news, fan opinions, punditry, audio clips and more.

  13. 'Guardiola would probably approve of Maresca as his successor'published at 13:35 BST 19 May

    Media caption,

    Watch the panel on BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club discuss Manchester City's succession planning and reports that Enzo Maresca is poised to take over from Pep Guardiola.

    "Everyone is a grown up Guardiola will be aware City had to speak to people," said The Observer's Rory Smith.

    "Plus, Guardiola would approve of Maresca as his successor. He's his former assistant, linked to the club, all that.

    "He's someone who is really highly thought of within City. It is more likely to be done with Guardiola's blessing."

    Former Premier League winner Andros Townsend said: "If Vincent Kompany won't come then I think Maresca is the next best choice.

    "I know they struggled with consistency as they were a young team, but when I watched Chelsea in one-off games or in the Club World Cup - there was nobody better than Chelsea at that tournament.

    "I think Maresca is a top manager. There's nobody better apart from Kompany to take City into this rebuild that Guardiola started. "

    Watch the full episode on BBC iPlayer and listen on BBC Sounds

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  14. Man City plan end-of-season paradepublished at 13:35 BST 19 May

    A general aerial view of the Etihad Stadium and the expansion to the North Stand adjacent to the Co-Op Live ArenaImage source, Getty Images

    Manchester City are planning a parade on Monday, 25 May from the city's Northern Quarter to Etihad Stadium to mark the achievements of the men's, women's and academy teams this season.

    City players and the three managers - Pep Guardiola, Andree Jeglertz and Oliver Reiss - will be presented to a crowd in the middle of the city at 16:00 BST, where there will be live music and a big screen.

    They will then leave on an open-top bus from 17:00 BST and parade their trophies through the streets of east Manchester, culminating with a reception in front of the Colin Bell Stand at the club's Etihad Stadium.

    The men's team have won the FA Cup and Carabao Cup and still have a chance to win the Premier League. The women's team won the WSL and play the FA Cup final on 31 May, while the club's youngsters won the FA Youth Cup.

    The players and managers will then join fans at a ticketed 'After Party' event at the Co-op Live Arena, which is adjacent to the stadium, from 18:30 until 20:00.

    There are reports that the later event will be used to celebrate Guardiola's achievements and his decade in charge, amid speculation he is set to depart at the end of the season.

  15. Maresca to succeed Guardiola - send your viewspublished at 11:04 BST 19 May

    Sami Mokbel
    Senior football correspondent

    Manchester City have your say banner

    Enzo Maresca is set to replace Pep Guardiola as Manchester City manager before next season.

    As BBC Sport reported on Monday, iconic City boss Guardiola is expected to leave the club following Sunday's game against Aston Villa at Etihad Stadium, their final match of the season.

    Former Chelsea head coach Maresca has been identified as the leading contender to replace the legendary Spaniard for the 2026-27 season.

    With City preparing for Guardiola's summer exit for more than six months, talks with Maresca are at an advanced stage.

    What do you think of this appointment? Get in touch with your views here

  16. 'The best 10 years of our lives'published at 11:03 BST 19 May

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    Manchester City fan Emily Brobyn was asked on BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast whether she was clinging on to the hope that Pep Guardiola might change his mind and stay at the club: "No, I have felt it for a while. I have been hearing rumours for the past fortnight and they have got louder and louder.

    "I stood in Wembley Stadium at the weekend. It [the FA Cup final celebrations] felt very reflective. It felt quite poignant, and at times it actually felt quite sombre.

    "In that moment, when I saw Erling Haaland sitting up against the post, I just thought to myself 'this feels different and he [Guardiola] is leaving'.

    "Now, we've not had any confirmation but the signs are there for me.

    "City are planning a parade, culminating at the Co-op Live Arena.

    "It's [billed as] a way to celebrate the achievements of the men's team, the domestic cup double, the women's team winning the WSL and hopefully the FA Cup, and our lads winning the FA Youth Cup final.

    "That's fantastic, but for it to culminate at the Co-op Live - a massive arena - tells me that there is something far more significant to celebrate, and there is certainly nothing more significant to celebrate than one of the greatest managers of all time leaving after 10 years at the club.

    "And what a 10 years it's been - the best 10 years of our lives."

    Pep Guardiola celebrates with Rayan CherkiImage source, Getty Images
  17. 'Guardiola's fingerprints touch football at all levels'published at 11:03 BST 19 May

    Phil McNulty
    Chief football writer

    Pep Guardiola waits for the FA Cup trophy liftImage source, Getty Images

    Pep Guardiola's great mentor and inspiration Johan Cruyff once said: "Winning is an important thing, but to have your own style, to have people copy you, to admire you... this is the greatest gift."

    As Manchester City prepare for the departure of the Catalan genius, after a decade in charge, Guardiola's legacy can be seen as a monument to the legendary Dutchman who cast his spell over him as a youngster at Barcelona.

    Cruyff said: "Winning is just one day. A reputation will last a lifetime."

    Guardiola's will, indeed, last forever.

    Six Premier League titles, the Champions League, three FA Cups, five EFL Cups, the Super Cup and the Club World Cup won - all in his own brilliant style, or at least the style he feels Cruyff bequeathed him.

    Guardiola openly admits - with a hefty helping of modesty - he "knew nothing" about football until he fell under Cruyff's instruction, describing him as "the most influential person in football history".

    Now, as Cruyff did in Spain, Guardiola has created a legacy that has changed the face of football at every level in England.

    In his decade at City, Guardiola hasn't just shaped elite football. He has had an impact at every level down to grassroots, where even junior coaches adopt his strategies.

    Mikel Arteta, who is on the verge of winning the Premier League title with Arsenal, was given his first senior coaching position as Guardiola's assistant.

    Enzo Maresca, who is expected to succeed Guardiola at Manchester City, was another member of his coaching staff, who then went to Leicester City and took them back to the Premier League, before winning the Europa Conference League and the Club World Cup at Chelsea.

    Luis Enrique worked with Barcelona's junior teams under Guardiola before succeeding him and winning the Champions League in 2015. He has since won it again with Paris St-Germain and he is now in a second successive final, with Arsenal waiting in Budapest.

    Vincent Kompany, who is now flourishing at Bayern Munich, learned from Guardiola while captain at Manchester City, while Xabi Alonso, who has just been appointed Chelsea manager, worked under him when he moved from Real Madrid to Bayern Munich in 2014.

    Quite simply, Guardiola's fingerprints touch football at all levels.

    Read the full article here