Arsenal: Mikel Arteta reacts to Pep Guardiola leaving Man City reports | OneFootball

Catalan head coach expected to leave his role this week after a thrilling title race with former assistant

Mikel Arteta has reacted to reports that Pep Guardiola is set to leave Manchester City this week.

There has been no official word from Guardiola or City regarding the matter, but the expectation is that the ⁠55-year-old will announce his departure shortly after City play Aston ⁠Villa at the ‌Etihad Stadium.

It has already been a season to remember for City, having again won the Carabao Cup and FA Cup, the latter clinched last weekend by beat Chelsea 1-0 at Wembley. The famous trophy was Guardiola 20th with the ⁠club across 10 seasons.

Reports have circulated all season that this could be Guardiola’s last in the job, and he shrugged off ​questions about his future ‌following the Wembley win. Asked about ⁠the rumours by TNT Sports, Guardiola replied: "What ‌rumours?"

The Premier League title remains in his and his squad’s grasp ahead of Tuesday evening’s trip to Champions League-chasing Bournemouth, though only a win for City will take the title fight down to the final game of the season.

Arteta, who has confirmed he will watch some, if not all, of tonight’s crucial City clash, was asked for his response to the rumours.

Arteta cut his teeth as a coach under the tutelage of Guardiola, spending over three years as part of the backroom staff at the Etihad.

Enzo Maresca, another former Guardiola assistant, who left his role as Chelsea manager four months ago, is expected to replace Guardiola.