**Talk surrounding a potential exit from Manchester City for Pep Guardiola at the end of the ongoing season is reportedly embedded into the dressing room.**
While the club will continue to maintain there is no immediate managerial vacancy at the Etihad Stadium, the increasing volume of reports surrounding contingency planning has made the situation difficult to ignore.
Manchester City’s internal planning has been well documented in recent weeks, with sporting director Hugo Viana expected to play a central role in compiling potential successor profiles, monitoring a range of coaches who fit Guardiola’s ideology and footballing vision.
Names such as Bayern Munich’s Vincent Kompany, former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca, Marseille’s Roberto De Zerbi, Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola and PSG’s Luis Enrique have all featured across multiple reports, while others have indicated Guardiola himself would be involved in recommending or advising on any future appointment.
Now, according to the information of [The Telegraph’s Mike McGrath](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2026/01/24/pep-guardiola-future-man-city-premier-league-charges/?WT.mc_id=tmgoff_fb_photo_man-city-premier-league-charges/), the Manchester City dressing room itself is ‘well aware’ of reports concerning the club advancing contingency plans in the event of Pep Guardiola leaving at the end of the ongoing season.
Despite claims of awareness within the squad, there is no indication that it has negatively impacted morale or performance, with Pep Guardiola seeming as happy as ever in his role at Manchester City in another intense campaign.
This aligns with Fabrizio Romano’s recent reporting that no final decision has been made on Guardiola’s future, and that the Catalan remains fully involved in City’s sporting project, including recruitment plans and squad development.
From a structural standpoint, City’s approach mirrors how they have handled succession planning in other areas, with forward-thinking contingency rather than reactive change. Looking ahead, the timing of any decision remains the most significant factor.
Pep Guardiola’s current contract runs until the summer of 2027, and clarity is unlikely until much later in the ongoing season. Until then, Manchester City are expected to continue discreet planning while maintaining full operational stability.