Manchester City have officially entered a new era after confirming Enzo Maresca as their new head coach on a three-year deal. The former Chelsea boss has arrived at the Etihad Stadium to take on the monumental task of succeeding Pep Guardiola following the Spaniard's legendary decade-long reign.
Manchester City are preparing for life after Pep Guardiola, but the shadow of 115 Premier League charges continues to loom large over the Etihad Stadium. As the legendary Catalan coach calls time on his trophy-laden decade in England, questions are being asked about whether the looming verdict on the club’s financial conduct played a part in his decision to walk away.
As the Pep Guardiola versus Sir Alex Ferguson debate rages on, Peter Shilton has told GOAL how legendary Nottingham Forest boss Brian Clough compares to iconic managers of the modern era. One of the most charismatic coaches to ever grace a dugout would have relished the opportunity to lock tactical horns with the likes of Jose Mourinho and Carlo Ancelotti.
Manchester City have taken a decisive step in their search for a new manager after reaching a formal agreement with Chelsea to secure the services of Enzo Maresca. The Premier League champions are set to pay a significant compensation fee to lure the Italian coach back to the Etihad Stadium as the successor to Pep Guardiola.
Pep Guardiola is out of work, after leaving Manchester City, but should his sudden availability concern England boss Thomas Tuchel - a man under pressure to deliver at the 2026 World Cup? Former Three Lions star Michael Owen has given two reasons to GOAL why a German tactician filling the most demanding of roles should not fret about the shadow cast by a highly-decorated Catalan coach.
Manchester City have been warned that they will find it “hard” to keep Rodri if Real Madrid come calling, with Peter Reid telling GOAL why more prominent figures are likely to follow Pep Guardiola out of the Etihad Stadium. A summer of change is on the cards, with it possible that a Ballon d’Or-winning midfielder will form part of what could become an elaborate refresh.
Former Spain manager Javier Clemente has humorously taken credit for the incredible successes of Pep Guardiola, Luis Enrique and Luis de la Fuente. Following a dominant season for Spanish coaches across Europe, the veteran boss explained the unique and amusing lessons he imparted on the trio during their playing days under him, while labelling them as the very best.
Manchester City star Rayan Cherki is being tipped to reach the world-class levels of Kevin De Bruyne after successfully navigating the intense demands of life under Pep Guardiola. Former City defender Gael Clichy believes the Frenchman has endured the ultimate learning curve at the Etihad Stadium to become a complete playmaker.
Pep Guardiola has lavished praise on the work being done by Hansi Flick at Barcelona, admitting he has become a "big fan" of the brand of football currently on display at Spanish champions. However, the former Manchester City boss also offered a stern word of caution regarding the club's continental ambitions and the psychological weight of the Champions League.
Pep Guardiola finally called time on his legendary Manchester City career this season, bringing an end to a decade of unprecedented dominance in English football. While his departure sent shockwaves through the blue half of Manchester, chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak has revealed that the Catalan coach had actually threatened to walk away on countless occasions throughout his tenure.
Manchester City are locked in intense compensation negotiations with Chelsea as they look to finalise a deal for Enzo Maresca to become their new manager. The Italian tactician is expected to replace Pep Guardiola, but the proposed three-year agreement remains held up by legal discussions following his sudden departure from Stamford Bridge in January.
Rayan Cherki is being backed to justify comparisons with Zinedine Zidane, as Louis Saha tells GOAL why the enigmatic Manchester City playmaker can become even better now that Pep Guardiola has left the Etihad Stadium. The most demanding of coaches helped to keep a tight leash on Cherki, but the World Cup-bound midfielder should benefit from a little more leeway when working under a new manager in the Premier League.
The 2025-26 European season is over, and it ended just as the 2024-25 did 12 months earlier, with Paris Saint-Germain lifting the European Cup at the end of the Champions League final. Saturday's win over Arsenal in Budapest was a much tighter affair than their thrashing of Inter in Munich, but was greeted with no less joy by the French giants and their supporters as they clinched a double having already won Ligue 1.
The European club season drew to a dramatic conclusion on Saturday, with Paris Saint-Germain defeating Arsenal on penalties to retain their Champions League crown. Not since Real Madrid nearly a decade ago had anyone successfully defended the title, making his a truly momentous night for Luis Enrique's men. However, defeat shouldn't take any of the shine off Arsenal's historic campaign, with the Gunners having won the Premier League for the first time in 22 years.
Pep Guardiola has officially called time on his legendary stay at Manchester City, leaving a legacy of 20 trophies after a decade of dominance at the Etihad Stadium. While the Catalan tactician is set for a temporary sabbatical, speculation is already mounting regarding his next destination in the dugout. Barcelona legend Xavi Hernandez believes that after conquering the club game in Spain, Germany, and England, his former mentor is destined for the international stage.
Interim Italy manager Silvio Baldini has launched a fiery critique against the administration of the national game while warning the federation against pursuing unrealistic managerial targets. The veteran coach expressed deep frustration over systemic issues ahead of the national team's upcoming friendly fixtures, calling for local leadership to rebuild the setup.