Manchester City fans dream of a world where the Pep Guardiola era can go on forever.
The legendary coach arrived at the Etihad Stadium in 2016 and since then, City have experienced unrivalled success, winning every trophy English and world football has to offer them.
As a result, Guardiola is viewed by many as the greatest coach to ever work in the Premier League, having broken several records, such as reaching 100 points, winning the treble, and winning every trophy in England in one season.
Whoever replaces the Spaniard at Man City has huge boots to fill, but there is one man in world football who is certainly up to the task.
Pep Guardiola with the Premier League trophy.
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
Luis Enrique should replace Pep Guardiola at Man City
Luis Enrique cemented himself as an elite coach last season with PSG, as the Spaniard delivered the French giants their first Champions League, while also leading his side to the treble.
According to The Athletic, Enrique’s contract in Paris expires in 2027, which lines up perfectly with Guardiola’s current deal, as the Man City boss is expected to depart the Etihad Stadium at the end of the 26/27 campaign.
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Guardiola has stated that he will take a break once his time at Man City is complete, with international football the most likely path the legendary coach takes if he returns to the dugout.
Enrique would be the perfect replacement for the 54-year-old at Man City as the PSG boss has proven he can do it at the highest level and compete across multiple competitions in one season, which is the aim every season in Manchester.
Having both come through the system at Barcelona, the foundations of their football philosophy are the same, and although Enrique’s PSG play a more direct style of football, the transition would not be too difficult for City’s squad.
History has also shown that appointing the PSG coach after Guardiola can work, as Enrique worked with the majority of the group the legendary coach left behind at Barcelona in 2012 when appointed coach of the Catalan club two years later.
If Man City know that Guardiola is leaving in 2027, this is a move the Premier League club would need to make soon, as PSG will look to tie the 55-year-old down to a new deal given his recent success.
Luis Enrique thinking on the bench during a PSG match.
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Other managers who could replace Pep Guardiola at Man City
It was reported in November that Mikel Arteta is Man City’s dream target to replace Guardiola at Man City after the work the Spaniard has done in turning Arsenal into a competitive team again.
That view may change if the Gunners boss doesn’t win a trophy this season, and there is no doubt that City fans would prefer Enrique over their former assistant coach.
Another option for the Manchester club come 2027 could be club legend Vincent Kompany, who helped Bayern Munich reclaim the Bundesliga last season.
The next two campaigns could see the Belgian develop into one of the best coaches in the world, with Bayern being the perfect club for Man City to gauge if the former defender is ready to return to the Etihad Stadium.
An outsider could be Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca, as the Italian worked under Guardiola at Man City and therefore knows the club well. The Blues boss still has many flaws, but if he can iron them out, he would put himself in a great spot for the City job in 2027.