A Revolving Door Of Managers

The football season is nearing it's end and plans are already in motion for the following season. The forefront of all of this is who will be the manager. There have been numerous announced changes. The headlines are Pep Gaurdiola leaving Man CIty; Jose Mourinho returning to Real Madrid and Antonio Conte's abrupt exit.

Pep Guardiola is going to leave Manchester City after their final Premier League game of the season on Sunday; sources have said. There has been no confirmation from City and sources at the club insist Guardiola remains their manager on a contract until 2027.

Speaking immediately after Man City's draw at Bournemouth on Tuesday, which handed Arsenal the Premier League title, Guardiola said: "The first person who has to talk is the chairman."

"When we finish the season, we will talk and take a decision. I'm the happiest man on the planet to be at this club. It is extraordinary."

Since his appointment in February 2016, Guardiola has guided the club to a remarkable 20 trophies, including six Premier League titles and a Champions League trophy in 2023.

Sources have said that preparations are under way at City for the outcome that Guardiola will leave - and Enzo Maresca is most likely to be his successor.

Expanding on his response over his future in the post-match press conference, Guardiola added: "Listen, with the club, always I talk, but not now.

"The first thing you have to understand is you should talk with my chairman (Khaldoon Al Mubarak) first, right? And after that, when I talk with my chairman, we'll decide."

When asked if the talks will come after their final match of the season on Sunday, Guardiola said: "No, no, we'll talk the next few days.

"Always we talk with my chairman. What are we going to do, what are we not going to do. But I think he [the chairman] deserves [to be the first one spoken to], right?"

On whether Sunday's match will be his last at City, he added: "Let me talk about my chairman! I know they [the fans] love me so much. I love them more. I know that it's the best place to be. I love that place [the Etihad]. I adore it."

"Let me talk about my club. Even though people say I talk to a thousand million people in person, I was incredibly, incredibly focused on my job. When we are in the competitions, I'm there. I was there. This is what I have to do."

Speaking to the BBC, Bernardo Silva said: "Well, I honestly don't know about it (exit rumours). That's Pep's decision, that's his announcement to make if he stays or if he goes. That's not on me."

A new report has revealed three reasons why Manchester City head coach Pep Guardiola has ‘decided to quit’ the Premier League side.

On Tuesday evening, multiple notable outlets reported that Guardiola will leave Man City at the end of this season, while it has since emerged that former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca will be his successor.

It was initially assumed that Guardiola would leave Man City at the end of last season but he surprised everyone by putting pen to paper on a new two-year contract until 2027.

It was widely considered that he did this to ensure Man City could implement a suitable succession plan and they would have been in a mess if he departed at the end of last season.

The 2024-25 campaign was a rare poor season for Man City under Guardiola but he has done a remarkable job of rebuilding them over the past three transfer windows and they are now set up to challenge for the Premier League title over the next few years.

This season, Man City have arguably surpassed expectations by running Arsenal all the way in the title race; while they have done the double by winning the FA Cup and Carabao Cup.

Guardiola has remained coy when asked about his future this season and his decision has remained under wraps until the final week of the 2025/26 campaign. He won't be given a huge sendoff in the next few days.

The Telegraph are now reporting that there are three main reasons why Guardiola ‘decided to quit’, with it claimed that ‘Guardiola invited an opposition manager into his Etihad Stadium office during last season and told him he wanted to leave Manchester City but could not do it yet’.

Guardiola felt inclined to stay to give Man City time to steady the ship following the exit of former sporting director, Txiki Begiristain, though he ‘told his colleague he was tired and needed a rest’.

Also, he is departing now becuase ‘he also liked the idea of a round 10 years at City’ and ‘can leave on a high note’, with this season’s double giving Guardiola a ‘sense of relief’. It will almost certainly be international football…’

Regarding his next step, the same report claims Guardiola will turn to international football for his next job.

The report explains:

Heading to Spain and Jose Mourinho is returning to Real Madrid to become the Spanish club's head coach on a two-year deal.

The club's president, Florentino Perez, has been a huge admirer of the current Benfica manager since his first spell at the Bernabeu between 2010 and 2013 and they have remained close in the years

Mourinho's contract, which will run until the summer of 2028, includes an option to extend by a further year. An announcement is expected after Real Madrid's final game of the season against Athletic Bilbao on Sunday.

The Benfica boss had previously played down rumours of his return, promising to remain focused on the rest of the season in Portugal; as the club battled with Sporting Lisbon to finish second and seal automatic Champions League qualification.

He will succeed Alvaro Arbeloa, who played under Mourinho at Real Madrid and took charge of Los Blancos until the end of the season when Xabi Alonso was sacked in January; just seven months into the job.

Alonso, who left the club by mutual consent in January after 28 games, was appointed Chelsea manager on Sunday.

Mourinho's return comes at a tumultuous time for Real Madrid: Perez last week was forced to say that he wouldn't be stepping down after this season; which has seen the club beaten to the domestic title by arch-rivals Barcelona.

Real Madrid's struggles extended to Europe, where they exited the Champions League at the quarter-final stage.

Off-field tensions have compounded the club's difficulties, with captain, Federico Valverde, treated in hospital after an altercation this month with team-mate, Aurelien Tchouameni.

Mourinho wants to arrive in Madrid accompanied by his coaching staff from current club Benfica, which would, in turn, lead to changes in the first-team staff at Valdebebas.

Multiple sources have said that Madrid's fitness coach, Antonio Pintus and goalkeeping coach, Luis Llopis, aren't certain to continue in their roles next season.

Further moves are also expected in the medical department, after persistent injury problems deprived the first team of key players for long spells this season.

In 2025-26, medical chief, Felipe Segura, has already been replaced by long-term Pérez favourite, Niko Mihic and in March forward Kylian Mbappé was forced to deny reports that a knee problem had been exacerbated after Madrid's medical team mistakenly examined the wrong knee.

Sources have said that there is now a climate of uncertainty and tension at Valdebebas as staff await developments this summer, with some staff fearing a "clearout" and a high turnover of staff in various departments on Mourinho's return.

A new senior appointment in the sporting department - currently led by José Ángel Sánchez and Juni Calafat - has been discussed. A source has said that Mourinho had suggested the arrival of Benfica director of football Mario Branco, although Madrid would not be pursuing him as an option.

Madrid are looking for a figure that could act as a link between the players, coaching staff and senior executives, who would also be present in training. The name of Toni Kroos has been mentioned, although sources close to the player have said that the club have not yet made him a proposal.

In April, Madrid issued a statement denying that the club was looking to appoint a sporting director and club sources say that the positions of Sánchez and Calafat would not be affected.

Despite that, Mourinho is keen for an appointment who could be present on a daily basis, to increase communication and control.

The Portuguese coach is aware of - and keen to avoid the many dressing room problems Madrid have faced this season, with clashes between players and coaching staff; a confrontation between Aurélien Tchouaméni and Federico Valverde and issues with both Vinícius Júnior and Mbappé.

In terms of new signings, Mourinho wants to strengthen Madrid's defence, sources have said. The club want to bring in a right-back to replace the departing Dani Carvajal and compete for a place with Trent Alexander-Arnold and are also looking at centre-backs.

Sources said Madrid are ready to be more active in the transfer market than they have been in recent years, widening the scope of the players they are willing to consider and - unlike in recent seasons - no longer dismissing the possibility of making signings during the January transfer window.

As well as Carvajal, David Alaba and Dani Ceballos are also expected to leave Madrid this summer.

Ruben Amorim's agents have released a statement confirming the Portuguese coach won't return to management in Portugal because he wants to continue his career abroad. The former Manchester United boss had been linked with succeeding Jose Mourinho.

Amorim, who built his reputation in the dugout at Sporting CP, arrived at Old Trafford with considerable standing. However, he endured a troubled 14-month stint at the helm at United before being dismissed by the club in January. United's prospects have since improved considerably under Michael Carrick.

Amorim, meanwhile, maintains strong connections to both Sporting and Benfica and counts Benfica president, Rui Costa, amongst his closest friends, having served as the club's sporting director during Amorim's playing days at the Estadio da Luz.

However, AS1 Sports, the agency acting on Amorim's behalf, has confirmed in an official statement that he won't take charge of any club in Portugal. The 41-year-old has previously managed SC Braga, Sporting and Casa Pia during his tenure in his home country.

The statement read: "In light of the latest news regarding Ruben Amorim's future, particularly by SIC's 'Jornal da Noite' - it is important to clarify the following: Ruben Amorim made the decision a long time ago to pursue his career abroad."

"Therefore, he has not had any meetings with Portuguese clubs to discuss working conditions, structure, squad, salaries, or any other matters; anything said beyond this is mere speculation and has no basis with reality."

Having taken himself out of contention, reports now suggest Fulham manager, Marco Silva, is poised to assume the reins at Benfica, with an 'agreement in principle' already reportedly secured.

Silva, who has been at Craven Cottage since 2021, is understood to have placed a return to his homeland above remaining with the west London club. When quizzed about his prospects, Silva acknowledged he has never ruled out embracing a fresh challenge.

Finally, in Italy, Antonio Conte is set to bring his tenure at Napoli to an abrupt end this summer; walking away from the club a full year before his contract was due to expire. The former Chelsea and Juventus boss has reportedly reached a decision to move on despite having no immediate plans for his next managerial role.

The Conte era at Napoli is officially coming to a close. Despite being tasked with the significant reconstruction of the Partenopei following their disappointing 10th-place finish in the 2023-24 season, the Italian tactician has decided that his time at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona has run its course. The news marks a sudden shift for a club that had hoped Conte would provide long-term stability.

As he prepares for his final game in the Napoli dugout, the 54-year-old has been making his rounds to say his goodbyes. In a poignant moment on Tuesday, Conte visited Palazzo San Giacomo to meet with the Mayor of Naples, Gaetano Manfredi.

Accompanied by the city's general director, Pasquale Granata, the meeting served as a formal farewell to the civic leaders who have supported his project during his stay in the shadow of Mount Vesuvius.

The details surrounding his exit suggest a clean break rather than a bitter dispute. According to Fabrizio Romano, Conte will leave without severance pay and without any agreement elsewhere, highlighting his desire for a fresh start regardless of whether another high-profile job is waiting for him.

It has also emerged that this wasn't a snap decision made in the heat of the season's final weeks. The manager had reportedly made his mind up quite some time ago; ensuring the club hierarchy was not left entirely in the dark.

The move signals the start of another search for a head coach for President Aurelio De Laurentiis, who must now find a successor capable of continuing the work Conte started.

During his visit to the city hall, the respect between the manager and the local authorities was evident. Mayor Manfredi has been a vocal supporter of the manager’s methods, recently praising the former Inter boss for his uncompromising focus on success.

"He is a winner, in the end results count and the fans want to win," the Mayor noted during their final meeting.

By visiting the Mayor before officially addressing his players and the media for the final time, Conte has shown a level of institutional respect that is often rare in the volatile world of Italian football. It was a diplomatic end to a journey that many expected to last much longer.

Conte’s departure looked likely as early as last season, which was punctuated by the cold greetings he exchanged with club owner, Aurelio De Laurentiis, during his team’s title celebrations. The two continued, however, and while Napoli didn’t manage to retain the title, they did manage to put up a much better title defence compared to the last time; when they finished the 2023-24 season a spectacular tenth in the table after winning the Scudetto the year before.

What’s even more surprising is the fact that the Conte and De Laurentiis are parting ways mutually, with no severance package needed, which is remarkable given how things have usually been between them and their overall temperament. This leaves the door open for a potential second stint.

As he leaves the Maradona, Conte enters the market with his reputation once again reinforced. He may be a short-term option and success under him does tend to depend on teams taking a gap year away from European football. When it clicks, it’s unstoppable. The key for any club is to keep in mind that a marriage with Conte may mean a good time but never a long time and plan accordingly.

As for the Partenopei, they have relinquished their crown but end the season in a healthy position. They will play in the Champions League next season and for the next season they have ample time to line up a replacement and start preparations.

He is currently being linked with the Italy national team job, though that decision cannot arrive before June 22, when the FIGC will elect a new president. That’s a long time in football and it would hardly be surprising if a club took a punt on Conte’s short-term promise.

Maurizio Sarri is in line for a breathtaking return to Napoli as president Aurelio De Laurentiis moves quickly to secure a successor for the outgoing Antonio Conte. The ex-Chelsea manager, who remains a legendary figure in Naples for his revolutionary brand of football, has been offered a multi-year deal to once again lead the Partenopei.

The flame of "Sarrismo" is ready to be reignited at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport. After months of speculation regarding the managerial direction of the club, Napoli president De Laurentiis has reportedly put a firm offer on the table to bring Sarri back to his spiritual home. The deal is said to be a two-year contract with an option for a third season, worth approximately €3.5 million per year plus performance-related bonuses.

Sarri is reportedly delighted at the prospect of rejoining the club where he spent three iconic seasons between 2015 and 2018. Despite the success found under Luciano Spalletti and more recently with Conte, the Napoli fanbase still holds a deep affection for Sarri’s tenure, which was defined by a breathtaking 91-point Serie A campaign and a style of play that was widely considered the most attractive in Europe at the time.

The path for Sarri's return has been cleared by the sudden departure of the current incumbent. Conte is set to bring his tenure at Napoli to an abrupt end this summer, choosing to walk away a full year before his contract was scheduled to expire. In a move that mirrors the managerial carousel of 2018, Sarri would once again be replacing Conte, just as he did when he took over the reins at Chelsea.

Before Sarri can officially sign his contract at Napoli, he must first navigate a final exit from the capital. Tensions at Lazio have reached a snapping point and president, Claudio Lotito, has made little effort to hide his dissatisfaction with the current coaching staff. Speaking on the uncertainty surrounding the dugout, Lotito remarked that "in life everyone is useful and no one is indispensable," a clear signal that the manager’s time in Rome is up.

As Sarri prepares to pack his bags for a emotional return south, Lazio are already eyeing up his replacement. Germany legend, Miroslav Klose, has emerged as the leading candidate to take over the Biancocelesti after an impressive coaching stint at Nurnberg. For Sarri, the move back to Napoli represents a chance to win the silverware that eluded him during his first spell - a Scudetto dream that he has admitted to feeling a touch of envy over following Napoli's recent historical triumphs.

Having guided Chelsea to the UEFA Europa League title in the 2018-2019 season and secured the Serie A Scudetto with Juventus in the 2019-2020 campaign, Sarri will be hoping to finally replicate that silverware success upon his return to Naples.

This move follows a highly disappointing season with Lazio, where the capital club currently sit ninth in the standings, officially missing out on European football for next season.

Napoli, meanwhile, are second and three points ahead of AC Milan and Roma ahead of the last game of the season.

It's never easy letting go of successful managers. It can be a difficult task to replace them. I believe it's important to have a contingency plan in place in case a sudden move is taken.

Other clubs can benefit as the clubs involved in changes can be in transition and hence unable to challenge for top honours.