Former Manchester City defender Bacary Sagna has identified what he believes to be the perfect succession plan for when Pep Guardiola eventually leaves the Etihad Stadium, pointing to current Bayern Munich boss Vincent Kompany as the ideal replacement.
The Guardiola Era Nears Its Conclusion
Pep Guardiola is approaching a significant milestone in his managerial career, having recently managed his 1,000th game as a coach. The Spanish tactician will have completed a decade in charge of Manchester City before the start of next season, though his future beyond 2027 remains uncertain.
Guardiola's current contract runs until 2027, and he is not expected to extend his stay beyond that point. The manager has previously spoken about taking a break from football when he decides to leave Manchester City, mirroring the approach he took after concluding his tenure at Barcelona.
Despite hinting earlier this season that he might not consider a break until 2035, Guardiola's comments about "unfinished business" have done little to quell speculation about his eventual departure. He told reporters: "I see things that we are doing much better than last season and in every game, we are a little bit better. There is the margin that we can do better in many aspects and that gives me the energy that it's not job done."
Why Kompany Represents the Perfect Fit
According to Sagna, who played alongside Kompany at Manchester City, the Belgian possesses all the necessary qualities to step into Guardiola's considerable shoes. Kompany enjoyed a legendary playing career at City, captaining the side to 12 trophies during his time at the club and establishing himself as a fan favourite.
Speaking to Oddspedia, Sagna explained his reasoning: "I could see Vincent Kompany returning to Manchester City as manager after Pep Guardiola leaves. He knows the club very well and was there for years as a player and captain. I know he loves Manchester as a city too - I think he's still personally attached to them even after all these years."
The former France international highlighted Kompany's successful stint at Bayern Munich, where he led the German giants to the Bundesliga title last season, as evidence of his coaching credentials. "He's doing a brilliant job at Bayern Munich this season, and has proven himself as a top-level coach," Sagna added.
Timing Remains the Critical Factor
Sagna acknowledged that any potential return for Kompany would depend heavily on timing, given the Belgian's current commitments in Germany. "He won't move from Bayern anytime soon, so it will depend on timings if he were to return to City, but I think he would be a really good fit for them," he stated.
The personal connection between Kompany and Manchester City appears to be the decisive factor in Sagna's assessment. He emphasised that "the personal attachment with Manchester City would make him the best fit possible to become the club's next manager."
As Guardiola continues to build on his legacy at the Etihad, the conversation around his eventual successor is likely to intensify, with Kompany's name firmly established as a leading contender thanks to his deep-rooted connections and growing managerial reputation.
