Manchester City have reportedly begun formal preparations for the eventual departure of their legendary manager Pep Guardiola, with club officials drawing up a three-man shortlist of potential successors. Speculation is mounting that the current campaign could be Guardiola's final season at the Etihad Stadium, prompting the Premier League champions to proactively identify suitable candidates to maintain their dominance.
Guardiola's Potential Exit Sparks Succession Planning
Pep Guardiola, whose current contract runs until the conclusion of the 2026-27 season, has overseen an unprecedented period of success at Manchester City since his arrival from Bayern Munich in 2016. However, with the team currently sitting six points behind league leaders Arsenal and showing signs of vulnerability this season, there is growing belief within football circles that the Catalan tactician may be approaching the end of his remarkable tenure.
The club's hierarchy are understood to be examining potential replacements who can continue Guardiola's legacy of tactical innovation and trophy accumulation. This forward-thinking approach reflects the club's desire to ensure a smooth transition whenever Guardiola decides to depart, rather than being caught unprepared by his exit.
Three Leading Contenders Emerge
Xabi Alonso features prominently on Manchester City's radar as a potential successor to Guardiola. The Spaniard played under Guardiola during his time at Bayern Munich and has since established himself as one of Europe's most promising young managers. His remarkable achievement of winning the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen earned him the Real Madrid job, though his tenure at the Bernabéu lasted just half a season amid reported internal issues.
Despite this setback, Alonso's reputation remains largely intact, with Liverpool also reportedly monitoring his situation should they decide to make a managerial change. His understanding of Guardiola's football philosophy, combined with his own tactical acumen, makes him an attractive proposition for Manchester City's decision-makers.
Enzo Maresca represents another serious contender for the position, having previously served as Guardiola's assistant at Manchester City. The Italian's recent revelation that he held conversations with City officials about the managerial position underscores the club's active search for Guardiola's eventual replacement. Although Maresca was dismissed from his previous role last month, his intimate knowledge of the club's structure and playing philosophy gives him a distinct advantage in the succession planning process.
Additional Candidates Under Consideration
Manchester City are also believed to be monitoring Cesc Fàbregas, another former player who worked under Guardiola during their time together at Barcelona. The former Chelsea midfielder has impressed in his managerial role at Italian club Como, guiding them to sixth position in Serie A and attracting admirers across European football. Fàbregas is reportedly only willing to leave his current position for one of the continent's most prestigious managerial roles, making Manchester City a potentially appealing destination.
While not explicitly named on the three-man shortlist, Vincent Kompany maintains strong connections to Manchester City through his legendary playing career at the club. The Belgian has enjoyed success at Bayern Munich, winning the Bundesliga title and mounting an even more impressive campaign this season. However, it would represent a significant surprise if Kompany were to depart the Allianz Arena in the immediate future, given his current project with the German giants.
Guardiola's Unprecedented Legacy
Whoever eventually succeeds Pep Guardiola will inherit one of the most daunting challenges in world football: following the most successful manager in Manchester City's history. Under Guardiola's guidance, the club has rewritten the Premier League record books, achieving numerous historic milestones including:
- Six Premier League titles, including four consecutive championships
- The first-ever 100-point season in English top-flight history
- A domestic treble in the 2018-19 campaign
- The continental treble in 2023, matching Sir Alex Ferguson's achievement
- Multiple domestic cup triumphs across various competitions
This extraordinary legacy creates both opportunity and pressure for any prospective successor, who would be tasked with maintaining Manchester City's position at the pinnacle of English and European football while potentially implementing their own tactical vision.
The club's proactive approach to succession planning demonstrates their commitment to long-term stability and continued success, ensuring they are prepared for whatever decision Guardiola makes about his future at the Etihad Stadium.
