Guardiola may not stick around long termplaceholder image
Guardiola may not stick around long term | AFP via Getty Images
Man City manager Pep Guardiola’s contract is due to expire at the end of next season at the Etihad.
They can swing things in their favour as they face the Gunners in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday, hoping to win their first piece of silverware of the season, and prevent Arsenal from winning the quadruple.
However, there are growing fears that amid Man City’s struggles, Guardiola could be in line to leave the club in the summer, despite his contract running until June 2027, when he would leave anyway.
Man City resigned to Guardiola exit
It is no surprise that Man City would love to keep hold of Guardiola moving forward, as the Man City boss has had an unbelievable amount of success at the Etihad. He’s won six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, four Carabao Cups and a Champions League title, but his reign may be coming to an end.
Many feel that this could be Guardiola’s last season at City, simply based on his body language this season, but he is under contract until the end of next year. However, according to Football Insider, Man City are ‘resigned’ to Guardiola leaving the club at the end of this season, despite his contract.
They report that conversations have already begun as to who City can replace Guardiola with, even though they would prefer the 55-year-old to stay at the Etihad. It is understood that the manager himself will have a say in who his successor is to ensure the best position transition between managers in the summer, assuming Guardiola decides to leave.
Man City draw up four-man shortlist to replace Guardiola
Seeing as Man City are already considering their options over a potential replacement for Guardiola, four names have emerged as the favourites to take over as the Man City manager heading into next season.
Firstly, the favourite is former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca, who previously worked under Guardiola at City before he landed his first manager role at Leicester City. Maresca knows the club which is a benefit, but his reign at Chelsea was good without being outstanding, so there are still question marks over his ability to manage such a big club.
Secondly, former Liverpool midfielder Xavi Alonso is also named, as the Spaniard left the manager role at Real Madrid earlier in the season, and is now a free agent. He has been heavily linked to taking Arne Slot’s place at Liverpool in the summer.
PSG manager Luis Enrique is also on City’s radar should he be willing to leave PSG in the summer after winning the Champions League with the French side for the first time last season.
Finally, Girona manager Michel is also a potential choice, as he is already part of the City Group, so he could be an easy transition, although his experience at the top level is limited so far.
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