Pep Guardiola Credit: PA
Pep Guardiola could step down as Manchester City boss at the end of the season, with the FA Cup winners not commenting on a fresh report that the Spaniard will depart this summer.
The 55-year-old, who has won 20 trophies during 10 golden years at the Etihad Stadium, is revered as one of the greatest managers of the Premier League era.
But who are the possible contenders who could be brave enough to replace him?
Enzo Maresca
Former Leicester and Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has emerged as the bookmakers’ early favourite.
The 46-year-old Italian has twice had stints as part of Guardiola’s coaching staff at City, latterly as assistant manager in 2022 before leading Leicester to top-flight promotion in 2024.
He lifted the Conference League trophy with Chelsea in 2025, but departed Stamford Bridge after a breakdown in relations with the club’s owners at the turn of the year.
Bayern Munich head coach Kompany also features high on the bookies’ list.
The 40-year-old former City skipper spent a trophy-laden nine years at the club as a player. After beginning his managerial career at Anderlecht, he led Burnley to Premier League promotion in 2023.
After the Clarets were relegated the following season, he was appointed as Thomas Tuchel’s successor at Bayern, who he has led to back-to-back Bundesliga titles.
Luis Enrique
The 56-year-old Spaniard enjoyed a stellar playing career with Real Madrid and Barcelona and has also spent time in charge of his country, albeit without success. But he has been a serial trophy winner during spells in charge of Barca and at current club Paris St Germain, with whom he has won three straight Ligue 1 titles.
Luis Enrique delivered Champions League glory last season for the first time in their history and they will bid to defend their European crown in the final later this month against Arsenal.
Andoni Iraola
Another Spaniard, the 43-year-old will be a free agent in summer having announced last month his intention to step down as Bournemouth manager at the end of the season.
Iraola has worked wonders with the Cherries, leading them to a 12th-placed Premier League finish in 2025 and to the brink of European football for the fist time in their history as they currently sit sixth in the table and still in contention for a Champions League place.
Cesc Fabregas
The former Arsenal midfielder’s place on the list highlights further the abundance of world-class Spanish managers.
The 39-year-old former Spain midfielder twice won the Premier League at Chelsea as a player and a LaLiga crown with Barcelona.
His managerial career is in its early stages, but he helped Como to top-flight promotion as an assistant in 2024 and, after taking sole charge, has guided them to at least a place in the Europa League this season, while they could still qualify for the Champions League.