Pep Guardiola to Quit Manchester City? Bold Prediction Made After United Derby Loss

‎Pep Guardiola’s future at Manchester City has come under intense scrutiny after his side were comprehensively beaten by Manchester United in Saturday’s derby. In the aftermath, extraordinary claims have emerged suggesting the Spaniard could leave the club within days, or else depart for certain at the end of the season.

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‎Pep Guardiola has been linked with a dramatic Manchester City departure following their derby defeat, with pundits claiming his exit is imminent and replacements already lined up.

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‎Although Guardiola remains under contract until 2027, speculation persists that his time at the Etihad could conclude at the end of the current campaign. His subdued demeanour after the derby loss fuelled further discussion, with broadcaster Richard Keys asserting that Guardiola will not be in charge for City’s next Premier League fixture.

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‎The City manager has shown visible irritation when questioned repeatedly about his future. While he has denied that an exit is currently being considered, Guardiola has accepted that his reign will not last forever.

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‎Addressing the topic in December, Guardiola explained that the question resurfaces every season. He stated that while he will eventually step away from Manchester City and football altogether, he remains satisfied, motivated, and closely aligned with the club’s long-term planning.

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‎He added that there have been no talks regarding his departure and reiterated that preparation for change is a normal part of running a football club. However, he made clear that leaving City is not something being discussed at present.

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‎Guardiola reacted sharply to a follow-up question about whether this could be his final season, pointing out that football is unpredictable regardless of contract length. He said his focus remains on upcoming matches and spending time with family before returning to prepare for a demanding run of fixtures.

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‎Following City’s disappointing derby performance, Richard Keys made a striking claim on beINSPORT. He suggested that if Guardiola steps down in the coming week, former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca would take interim charge for the Wolves game. Otherwise, Keys believes Vincent Kompany would return from Bayern Munich to replace Guardiola in the summer.

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‎Despite Andy Gray’s sceptical reaction, Keys stood firm on his prediction and urged viewers to remember his words if events unfold as he expects.

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‎Guardiola, meanwhile, was candid in his post-match assessment. He acknowledged that Manchester United were the superior side and deserved their victory, noting City lacked energy and control throughout the match.

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‎Speaking to Sky Sports, Guardiola praised United’s performance, admitted City’s defending was poor for the goals conceded, and stressed the importance of analysing the defeat as part of the team’s development. He emphasised that progress sometimes requires setbacks and that the season still has a long way to go.

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‎Should Keys’ claim come to fruition, Guardiola’s final appearance on the City touchline would be Tuesday’s Champions League away tie against Bodo/Glimt. Manchester City are scheduled to face Wolves the following Saturday, a match Keys believes Guardiola will not manage.