The winds of change are blowing through the Etihad Stadium this summer, and they could have major implications for Pep Guardiola's future at Manchester City. Two of the manager's most trusted lieutenants are set to depart the club, adding fuel to the speculation surrounding the Catalan's own plans.
Long-serving fitness coach Lorenzo Buenaventura will leave City this summer, while goalkeeper coach Xabi Mancisidor is also expected to move on when his contract expires. These departures mark the latest chapter in a coaching staff overhaul that has been quietly unfolding over the past 12 months.
Buenaventura's exit is particularly significant. Having worked alongside Guardiola since his Barcelona days, the fitness guru shares a close friendship with the manager and has been a constant presence throughout his trophy-laden tenure. His departure has led many within the City first-team bubble to believe that Guardiola will also walk away this summer, according to The Athletic's Sam Lee.
Guardiola enters the final year of his contract with the club he has led to unprecedented success over the past decade. While he has repeatedly dismissed questions about his future in press conferences, the growing expectation is that the 54-year-old could be ready for a new challenge.
City's hierarchy isn't taking any chances. Director of football Hugo Viana and chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak are reportedly leading the search for a potential successor, preparing for life after Guardiola should the decision be made.
However, there's reason for optimism among City fans. Guardiola's mood has reportedly shifted in recent weeks, inspired by a squad in transition that has exceeded expectations this season. The Blues are still chasing domestic glory, and Guardiola appears energized by the challenge of molding a new-look team.
City have invested heavily to support that transition, spending over £250 million to rebuild the first-team squad since January 2025. January arrivals Antoine Semenyo and Marc Guehi have seamlessly integrated into the squad, giving Guardiola fresh weapons for the battles ahead.
Guardiola is expected to make a firm decision on his plans for next season at the end of this month. For now, the football world watches and waits, knowing that the answer could reshape the Premier League landscape for years to come.