Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has been seen out in Manchester for the first time since Daily Mail Sport reported on Monday that he is set to leave the club at the end of the season.
Guardiola, 55, is expected to depart following Sunday’s final Premier League match against Aston Villa, bringing an end to a remarkable decade in charge.
During that time, the Spaniard led City to six league titles – including an unprecedented four in succession – and delivered the club’s first Champions League triumph.
Daily Mail Sport chief sports writer Oliver Holt revealed that, although the news has yet to be formally confirmed by either the club or Guardiola himself, it has been an open secret among those close to him. Confirmation is expected on Sunday, ahead of a planned open-top bus parade on Monday to celebrate his impact on English football.
And photographs obtained by Daily Mail Sport show Guardiola in public for the first time since the story broke, walking through Manchester.
He wore a limited-edition black Puma hoodie – featuring a gold ‘P’ to mark his 10th anniversary at City – with grey chinos and white trainers, and appeared sombre as he stepped away from his electric BYD car.
Photographs obtained by Daily Mail Sport show Guardiola in public for the first time since the story broke that he would be leaving City
Guardiola wore a limited-edition black Puma hoodie – featuring a gold ‘P’ to mark his 10th anniversary at City – with grey chinos, appearing sombre as he stepped away from his car
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While the news may come as a shock, succession planning is already underway. Daily Mail Sport understands that City have begun informing sponsors that an announcement is imminent.
The parade is expected to start in Manchester’s Northern Quarter at 4pm and finish outside the Colin Bell Stand reception at the Etihad Stadium around an hour later.
Guardiola’s future has been the subject of speculation for months, with the Catalan considering bringing his time at City to a close. Guardiola has one year remaining on his contract, something he has frequently alluded to, and he could yet remain at the club in another role.
Potential successors include former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca and Bayern Munich boss Vincent Kompany.
City head into the final week of the season on the back of a 1-0 FA Cup final win over Chelsea at Wembley, while still chasing the Premier League title. However, Arsenal’s victory over Burnley on Monday means the race will stay out of City’s hands for the remainder of the season.
The Gunners need only beat Crystal Palace next weekend to secure their first title in 22 years.
City face Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium on Tuesday before hosting Aston Villa at the Etihad on Sunday.
