By Martin Graham
Pep Guardiola has recognized it Manchester City he needs to plan for life beyond his reign, stressing that he won’t be at the club forever. The 54-year-old has transformed the English game during nine seasons in charge, collecting six Premier League titles and lifting the Champions League.
Although there is no clarity on when he will leave, Guardiola has 18 months left on his current contract. The City Council is aware that his departure will come and has already begun to draw up succession plans.
Those preparations are understood to include identifying at least two potential replacements, although no names have been formally confirmed. It is expected that the responsibility for this process will fall to the sporting director Hugo Viana.
Replacing a figure regarded as one of the best managers in football presents a daunting challenge, as the next appointment carries high expectations both on and off the pitch.
Options already established in England
One route City could take is to look within the Premier League, where a number of managers have strengthened their reputations.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has been linked with the Etihad role, although he has dismissed the reports as “100% speculation”. He recently guided Chelsea to Club World Cup success but has expressed concern about a lack of support from the club’s hierarchy and the need for more experienced players.
Maresca’s familiarity with the inner workings of City is remarkable, having been Guardiola’s assistant during the 2022-23 season. That connection could weigh in his favor if City pursue him further.
On the other hand, Unai Emery has overseen a remarkable rise at Aston Villa, taking the club from relegation trouble to the European table and even into title contention, sitting just three points behind Arsenal this campaign.
Andoni Iraola’s work at Bournemouth has also caught the eye after leading the club to a ninth-placed finish last season. Crystal Palace’s Oliver Glasner, whose contract expires in the summer, impressed in defeating City in last season’s FA Cup final, while Eddie Howe ended Newcastle’s long trophy drought by winning the EFL Cup.
Main names of Europe
City’s pursuit could extend beyond England, with several prominent figures from across the continent fitting the profile.
Luis Enrique, Guardiola’s former teammate at Barcelona, ​​made a historic treble at Paris St-Germain last season, crowned by a Champions League triumph. However, his arrival would mean an awkward reunion with Gianluigi Donnarumma, who he allowed to leave PSG before the goalkeeper joined City.
Xabi Alonso won widespread praise after breaking Bayern Munich’s dominance by winning the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen. His situation is now more uncertain as he tries to maintain his position at Real Madrid, which may influence his appeal.
Guardiola has already spoken fondly of Alonso, whom he coached at Bayern Munich, highlighting their strong working relationship.
Familiar faces and emerging candidates
Another popular candidate among supporters would be Vincent Kompany. The former City captain, who won four league titles during 11 years at the club, has impressively rebuilt his managerial position. After suffering relegation with Burnley, they won the German championship last season and are currently nine points clear at the top.
Zinedine Zidane remains on the loose four years after leaving Real Madrid, although questions persist over whether he is waiting for the France international’s role.
Roberto de Zerbi, who now excels at Marseille after his Premier League experience with Brighton, is admired for his methods but City executives may see him as an unpredictable choice.
Julian Nagelsmann, still only 38, could also be considered. His future may depend on Germany’s performance at the World Cup, but former City midfielder Dietmar Hamann has suggested Guardiola has a high regard for the former Bayern boss and sees him as a viable successor.
