League: EPL Sport: Soccer Country: England Category: Match Previews

Manchester City faces transition with departures and new manager

2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 19, 2026, 1:43 PM

Last updated Aug 19, 2026

Manchester City faces transition with departures and new manager

Summary

Manchester City enters the 2026-27 season facing significant changes with the departures of Pep Guardiola and Rodri. Enzo Maresca steps in as manager amid expectations to maintain City's status as a dominant force in both domestic and European competitions. Last season, City finished in second place in the Premier League, a position the Guardian's writers predict again for the upcoming season. The season is set to start soon, and how effectively Maresca instills his vision will be closely observed.

Source Links

CBS Sports The Guardian Sport

Key Details

•Pep Guardiola and Rodri have departed Manchester City.
•Enzo Maresca is the new manager for the 2026-27 season.
•City finished second in last season's Premier League.
•Guardian writers predict Manchester City will again place second this season.

Latest Updates

1:43 PMCBS Sports — Manchester City season preview 2026-27: With Pep Guardiola era over, can Enzo Maresca maintain elite level?
11:01 PMThe Guardian Sport — Premier League 2026-27 preview No 15: Manchester City

What they're saying

"
With the departures of Pep Guardiola and Rodri it looks like the end of an era at City. Will Enzo Maresca be able to sustain their position as a domestic and continental superpower? Guardian writers’ predicted position: 2nd (NB: this is not necessarily Jamie Jackson’s prediction but the average of our writers’ tips) Last season’s position: 2nd Continue reading...
— The Guardian Sportby Jamie Jackson