By Martin Graham
Pep Guardiola has acknowledged that Manchester City needs to plan for life beyond his reign, stressing he will not remain 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 depart, Guardiola has 18 months remaining on his current deal. City are aware that his exit will eventually arrive and has already begun outlining succession plans.
Those preparations are understood to include identifying at least two possible replacements, even if no names have been formally confirmed. The responsibility for that process is expected to fall to sporting director Hugo Viana.
Replacing a figure regarded as one of football’s greatest coaches presents a daunting challenge, with the next appointment carrying enormous expectations both on and off the pitch.
Options already established in England
One route City may take is to look within the Premier League, where several managers have strengthened their reputations.
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has been linked with the Etihad role, although he dismissed such reports as “100% speculation”. He recently guided Chelsea to Club World Cup success but has voiced concerns about a lack of backing from the club hierarchy and the need for more experienced players.
Maresca’s familiarity with City’s internal workings is notable, having served as Guardiola’s assistant during the 2022-23 season. That connection could weigh in his favour should City pursue him further.
Elsewhere, Unai Emery has overseen a remarkable rise at Aston Villa, taking the club from relegation trouble into European qualification and even title contention, sitting just three points behind Arsenal this campaign.
Andoni Iraola’s work at Bournemouth has also attracted attention after steering the club to a ninth-place finish last season. Crystal Palace’s Oliver Glasner, whose contract expires in the summer, impressed by defeating City in last season’s FA Cup final, while Eddie Howe ended Newcastle’s long trophy drought by winning the EFL Cup.
Leading names from Europe
City’s search could extend beyond England, with several prominent figures across the continent fitting the profile.
Luis Enrique, a former Barcelona teammate of Guardiola, delivered a historic treble at Paris St-Germain last season, capped by a Champions League triumph. However, his arrival would create an uncomfortable reunion with Gianluigi Donnarumma, whom he allowed to leave PSG before the goalkeeper joined City.
Xabi Alonso earned widespread praise after breaking Bayern Munich’s dominance by winning the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen. His situation is now more uncertain as he attempts to retain his position at Real Madrid, which may influence his appeal.
Guardiola has previously spoken warmly about Alonso, whom he coached at Bayern Munich, highlighting their strong working relationship.
Familiar faces and emerging contenders
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 rebuilt his managerial standing impressively. After suffering relegation with Burnley, he claimed the German championship last season and currently holds a nine-point lead at the summit.
Zinedine Zidane remains unattached four years after leaving Real Madrid, though questions persist over whether he is waiting for the France national role.
Roberto de Zerbi, now excelling at Marseille after his Premier League experience with Brighton, is admired for his methods but may be viewed as an unpredictable option by City executives.
Julian Nagelsmann, still just 38, could also come under consideration. His future may depend on Germany’s World Cup performance, yet former City midfielder Dietmar Hamann has suggested Guardiola rates the ex-Bayern coach highly and sees him as a viable successor.
