Guardiola’s Future at Manchester City in Doubt After Derby Defeat as Exit Rumours Swirl

MANCHESTER — Pep Guardiola’s future at Manchester City has been thrust back into the spotlight following a bruising defeat to Manchester United in the weekend derby, with speculation mounting that the Spaniard could leave the club sooner rather than later.

City were comprehensively outplayed by their rivals at Old Trafford, a result that left Guardiola visibly downcast on the touchline and prompted fresh debate about the longevity of his tenure at the Etihad Stadium. While the City manager remains under contract until 2027, growing conjecture suggests his time in Manchester may be approaching a decisive moment.

Former Sky Sports presenter Richard Keys has gone as far as predicting an “extraordinary” scenario in which Guardiola departs within days. Speaking on beIN SPORTS, Keys claimed the City boss could walk away before the club’s next Premier League fixture — or, failing that, would “definitely” leave at the end of the season.

Guardiola Pushes Back on Exit Talk

Guardiola, for his part, has grown increasingly frustrated by persistent questions about his future. The 53-year-old has repeatedly insisted there are no ongoing discussions about his departure and that an immediate exit is “not on the table.”

“In the last three or four years, every time in a certain period, you ask me about that question,” Guardiola said in December. “Sooner or later I will leave, of course — not any of us will be here forever — but right now there are no discussions.”

He added that while the club must always be prepared for change, there has been no indication from either side that his tenure is nearing its end.

“The club and myself, we are incredibly connected in terms of decisions,” Guardiola said. “What is going to happen will happen, but that’s not on the table right now.”

An irritable Guardiola later reiterated his stance when asked if the current campaign could be his last at City.

“I answered that question already,” he said. “Football changes a lot. Now I’m focusing on the next games — that’s all.”

Speculation Over Possible Successors

Despite Guardiola’s public stance, speculation has intensified over who might replace him should an exit materialise.

Keys claimed that Enzo Maresca, recently dismissed from his role at Chelsea, could be installed as interim manager if Guardiola were to leave in the coming days. If the departure comes in the summer, Keys suggested Vincent Kompany — currently managing Bayern Munich and a former City captain — would be the long-term successor.

“I think it’s nailed on he’s gone at the end of the season,” Keys said. “But do not rule out him leaving this week. If that happens, Maresca will be in charge for the match against Wolves.”

His co-presenter Andy Gray reacted with disbelief, but Keys stood firm, insisting City’s hierarchy may already be preparing for a transition.

Derby Defeat Deepens Pressure

City’s loss to United ensured the gap to Premier League leaders Arsenal remained at six points, further denting their title push. Guardiola conceded his side were second-best throughout the contest and deserved nothing from the game.

“The better team won,” he told Sky Sports. “They had the energy we didn’t have. When a team is better, you have to accept it.”

He pointed to defensive lapses and a lack of control in key moments, while stressing the importance of reflection rather than panic.

“It’s about how we grow as a team,” Guardiola said. “Sometimes, to be better, you have to take a step back. The season is still long, and we have to analyse and continue.”

Uncertainty Clouds City’s Season

While there is no official indication that Guardiola is preparing to leave immediately, the combination of a high-profile derby defeat, persistent questioning about his future, and public speculation from pundits has added an unusual layer of uncertainty around one of the Premier League’s most stable managerial reigns.

For now, Guardiola remains in charge and focused on upcoming fixtures. But as City’s title challenge tightens and scrutiny intensifies, the question of how — and when — his era will end shows no sign of fading.