Manchester City to confirm crucial exit: Difficult to see Pep Guardiola staying, sources

Last Updated on 14 May 2026

Manchester City are set to confirm that fitness coach Lorenzo Buenaventura will leave the club at the end of the season.

It’s a major development that raises serious questions about whether Pep Guardiola will be following him out of the door this summer.

Here’s the latest on the changes at Manchester City.

Lorenzo Buenaventura’s departure deals major blow to Guardiola’s City future

Lorenzo Buenaventura, 63, has been one of Guardiola’s most trusted lieutenants for over 15 years. He followed the Catalan from Barcelona to Bayern Munich and then to the Premier League. The pair share an exceptionally close working relationship.

In fact, Buenaventura’s physical preparation methods are designed specifically to complement Guardiola’s tactical demands. Goalkeeper coach Xabi Mancisidor is also set to leave this summer, making this a significant moment of transition behind the scenes.

Those close to the City setup say it is difficult to imagine Guardiola continuing without Buenaventura by his side. That view is widely held across multiple departments within the first-team structure, according to The Athletic.

While Guardiola is said to be in good spirits and motivated by his young side’s performances, sources around the club have for months been expecting him to leave when his contract expires next summer. And the exit of his fitness coach only intensifies that feeling.

Pep Guardiola’s exit could be imminent and City already have a plan

City have been planning for a managerial transition for some time. Conversations about a potential successor reportedly began as far back as late 2025, with former Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca considered the leading candidate should Guardiola depart this summer.

Maresca is understood to have held talks with people associated with the club regarding the position. There has been a slight shift in atmosphere in recent days, however. A sliver of hope remains that Guardiola will see out his deal. City would welcome that outcome.

But, it remains to be seen whether that is the case or not.