'/%3e%3cdefs%3e%3clinearGradient%20id='prefix__paint0_linear_4737_37157'%20x1='3.018'%20y1='23.6'%20x2='44.925'%20y2='24.977'%20gradientUnits='userSpaceOnUse'%3e%3cstop%20stop-color='%231CB7FF'/%3e%3cstop%20offset='.502'%20stop-color='%232FF58B'/%3e%3c/linearGradient%3e%3c/defs%3e%3c/svg%3e)
Man City fans send Pep Guardiola message seconds into first game after exit leaked
May 19 2026 20:10 · By Mark Wakefield/Sport Central Audience Writer · 29 Reads
View 2 Images
Manchester City fans delivered a clear message to Pep Guardiola during the clash against Bournemouth . City faced the Cherries in the Premier League clash at the Vitality Stadium in a crucial fixture in the title races and the battle for Champions League qualification.
The game followed reports from 24 hours earlier, which claimed that Guardiola would be leaving City at the end of the season, with the club’s final game of the season seeing them face Aston Villa on Sunday.
Guardiola’s contract at City runs until the summer of 2027, but further reports have suggested that former Chelsea and Leicester City manager Enzo Maresca is being lined up as his successor at the Etihad Stadium.
City were facing Bournemouth on Tuesday night, and just seconds into the game, the travelling fans made their feelings about Guardiola clear with a chant about the 55-year-old at the Vitality Stadium.
“One more year, one more year, Guardiola,” the City fans chanted on the south coast.
Guardiola spoke to Sky Sports ahead of kick-off at the Vitality Stadium, where he was quizzed about the potential impact the speculation surrounding his future may have had on the preparations for the match against Bournemouth.
“It would be very unfair to speak to you now, before this important game, about the events of last night and the newspapers,” the Sky reporter said. “That’s something for after the game.
“Can we just ask, did it have any effect on you personally or your preparations ahead of this really big game?”
View 2 Images
FOLLOW OUR MAN CITY FB PAGE! Follow our Manchester City Mirror Football Facebook page
“Zero, absolutely zero,” Guardiola said in response.
City went into the game against Bournemouth needing to secure a victory to keep their hopes of winning the Premier League title alive.
Arsenal hold a five-point lead over City following their win over Burnley on Monday night, and any dropped points for Guardiola’s side would see the Gunners confirmed as champions.
Guardiola has won 17 major trophies during his time as City manager, including two this season with the FA Cup final victory on Saturday following the win over Arsenal in the Carabao Cup final earlier this year.