Five potential candidates for the Manchester City manager job if Pep Guardiola steps down at the end of the season.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola could be set to step down at the end of the season, according to reports. The 55-year-old, who has won 20 trophies during a decade at the Etihad Stadium and fresh from an FA Cup success, has a contract for next season but reports suggest talks are underway surrounding his departure.
The club has so far not commented after the The Daily Mail claimed Sunday’s final Premier League game against Aston Villa will be the Spaniard’s last after 10 years in charge. BBC Sport reported staff members and players are anticipating Guardiola's departure, with City chiefs now turning to possible replacements for the Spaniard.
Guardiola still has a year remaining on his contract and City’s position on the matter has not changed throughout the season, despite persistent speculation over the 55-year-old’s future.
So, who could be in the frame for the job if Pep departs Man City this summer? Here are five managers who could be in the frame...
Manchester City are not commenting on a fresh report that manager Pep Guardiola is to stand down at the end of the seasonplaceholder image
Manchester City are not commenting on a fresh report that manager Pep Guardiola is to stand down at the end of the season | John Walton/PA Wire
Enzo Maresca
Italian Maresca, a former Chelsea and Leicester City boss, is the bookies' favourite to take on the role.
The 46-year-old is a former member of Guardiola’s coaching staff at the Etihad, including as assistant manager in 2022 before leaving for Leicester. There, he led the Foxes to promotion back to the Premier League in 2024, and won the Conference League trophy with Chelsea in 2025.
He left Stamford Bridge after an apparent falling out with the club’s owners at the turn of the year.
Vincent Kompany
Former City skipper Kompany spent nine years at the Etihad, including picking up the Premier League trophy and others in a successful spell.
Now 40, the former defender began his managerial career at Anderlecht, before leading Burnley to Premier League promotion in 2023. When 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
Former Real Madrid and Barcelona player Enrique has gone on to manage the likes of Barca and Paris St Germain, picking up three French league titles. The 56-year-old Spaniard has also spent time in charge of his country, but failed to scoop any trophies.
He also delivered Champions League glory for PSG last season - the first time the French club had picked up the European trophy, and could repeat the feat with a final later this month against Arsenal.
Andoni Iraola
Fellow Spaniard Iraola will be a free agent this summer as he steps down from a successful stint at AFC Bournemouth. The 43-year-old has led the Cherries 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
Former Arsenal midfielder Fabregas is yet another Spanish manager in the frame to replace Guardiola. Just 39, the former Spain international midfielder twice won the Premier League at Chelsea as a player, as well as a LaLiga crown after returning to 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.
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