Man City's private fears over Pep Guardiola exit ahead of Premier League charges verdict

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Manchester City insiders are more concerned that Pep Guardiola’s could leave the club than the looming verdict into 115 Premier League charges. City, who strenuously deny the breaches, have been locked in a legal battle with top-flight bosses for the last three years.

The hearing concluded all the way back in December 2024, but a verdict has still not been reached. If found guilty, City could face a variety of punishments ranging from huge fines to potential points deductions.

But for those at The Etihad, Guardiola’s uncertain future is causing considerably more consternation. The Telegraph report that the City dressing room is well aware of contingency plans being drawn up, should their manager leave at the end of the season.

Guardiola’s contract stretches until the summer of 2027, but he has consistently suggested he will address his future this year. The Catalan coach will reach a decade in charge ahead of the 2026/27 campaign, where he has won everything on offer, including six Premier League titles.

But this calendar year has got off to a poor start, failing to win in the league and suffering a humiliating defeat to Bodo/Glimt in the Champions League in midweek. Speaking after the 3-1 defeat in the Arctic Circle, Guardiola admitted ‘everything was going wrong’.

According to reports, Guardiola’s behaviour around the training ground hasn’t changed with the uncertainty surrounding his future and he appears as committed as ever to taking City back to the top.

Speculation over his future increased at the start of this week, after former Sky Sports anchor Richard Keys suggested the City boss was set to leave imminently.

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"I think it's nailed on that he's gone at the end of the season," Keys said on beIN Sport after the defeat to United at Old Trafford.

"But, do not rule out him leaving this week. This week. If he goes this week, [Enzo] Maresca will be in charge of the match against Wolves .

"City will be apoplectic, and they'll deny it, of course, but it's on his mind, I'm telling you, to leave this week. He does this a lot, so you can't read much into it, but this time you can."

Unsurprisingly, Guardiola will still be in the dugout when they take on basement boys Wolves on Saturday. And speaking ahead of that fixture, he seemed significantly more upbeat about his squad’s prospects.

"One week ago we were at Newcastle and won 2-0 and you look in the Champions League how strong they are," Guardiola said. "I have an extraordinary team and we are all together. I don't have any doubts about that.

"[ Arsenal ] are the best team in the world . They are the best team right now and hopefully we can be close, getting better, and they can give us one chance to catch them."

Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £336 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.