England Veteran Confirms Pep Guardiola Exit, Maresca in Action vs Wolves

Sportsdunia Desk

Published - Jan 18, 2026, 07:24 AM

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England Veteran Confirms Pep Guardiola Exit, Maresca in Action vs Wolves

Summary

Pep Guardiola exit rumours intensify after City's 2-0 derby loss to Carrick's United.
Richard Keys predicts an immediate Pep Guardiola Sack with Enzo Maresca Man City takeover likely.
Enzo Maresca Man City appointment looms as pundit claims Pep Guardiola Exit is "nailed on".

Rumours and speculation are something that keep the football business alive, and the current top rumour is Pep Guardiola leaving his position as Manchester City's head coach. If the reports are true, this is a twist that very few football fans expected, after Michael Carrick's tactical masterclass handed the Cityzens a 2-0 defeat at Old Trafford on Saturday. A prominent English pundit fuelled the speculation, claiming Pep Guardiola exit could become a reality soon, signalling the end of an era for Manchester City, while Pep Guardiola sack talks dominate headlines. Man City, one of the biggest football clubs, are reportedly wasting no time, with former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca set to take immediate charge in the Enzo Maresca Man City switch, as per the rumours circulating.

End of an Era: Pep Guardiola's Exit?

Speculation regarding the Spaniard’s future has been rife since the turn of the year, but the confirmation has sent shockwaves through the league. The news broke following a social media storm, with beIN SPORTS highlighting the developments. A senior sports commentator, Richard Keys, has substantiated claims that the Pep Guardiola exit might be the next thing for the club, amplifying Pep Guardiola sack fears.

Despite his current Manchester City contract running until 2027, fresh reports suggest he will end his Etihad era prematurely, potentially even before the current season concludes.

Maresca to Replace Pep?

The speculation intensified following the derby defeat to Manchester United, with Richard Keys making a specific and now seemingly accurate prediction about the timeline. The presenter posited that while Bayern Munich gaffer Vincent Kompany would be the likely heir if Guardiola left in the summer, an immediate exit would see the Enzo Maresca Man City era begin, instantly paving the way for a shock Pep Guardiola sack.

During his segment on beIN SPORTS, Keys was adamant that viewers should not ignore the chance of a sudden upheaval. "I think it's nailed on he's gone at the end of the season... but do not rule out him leaving this week," he urged.

He specifically noted that if Pep Guardiola exit or Pep Guardiola sack occurred within days, Maresca would be the man in the dugout to face Wolves.

What Did Guardiola Say After the Match?

It was very clear that the former Barcelona coach was very disappointed with the way his team has played against their arch-rivals. During the post-match interview, Guardiola pointed out that the defeat was due to his side's lack of energy and injury crisis.

“The better team won. They had energy we didn't have. Congratulations to them. They had the chances at the end with crosses. We know they are a transitional team, but in general, they were better. We never made a threat, crosses or movement, but that's part of the energy.”

The City boss was visibly furious that Manchester United full-back Diogo Dalot escaped a red card for a controversial challenge, a decision Guardiola felt drastically altered the complexion of the game. "It is easy for me to come here and say it should be a red card," Guardiola told reporters, his frustration evident. “A red card would definitely have changed the game, yes. But it is not about that.”