Pep Guardiola has warned that Manchester City cannot "copy and paste" to find his successor for next season.

Guardiola announced on Friday that he would be stepping down as City boss after a glittering 10-year spell at the Etihad.

The Spaniard has won six Premier League titles in that time, as well as three FA Cups, five EFL Cups – winning both domestic cups again in 2025-26 – a Champions League, three Community Shields, one UEFA Super Cup and the Club World Cup.

Former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca, who worked under Guardiola as an assistant at City, is reportedly the club's top choice to step into the dugout.

Guardiola is not expecting to be consulted over the decision, insisting he should play no part in City's search for a new head coach.

"It doesn't work to copy and paste in this kind of job," Guardiola said.

"You have to be unique, natural and yourself, and the new manager will be himself.

"The moment it starts to be a copy for another one ... Everyone is everyone. It has to be like that. And that's why everything is going to be good."

Guardiola's final game in charge of City will see them face Aston Villa at the Etihad on Sunday, having secured second place following their 1-1 draw with Bournemouth in midweek.