Manchester City prepares for Guardiola’s potential exit
Manchester City are understood to be compiling a shortlist of three potential candidates to succeed Pep Guardiola, with mounting speculation that the current campaign will mark his final term at the Etihad, reports BritPanorama.
Among those under consideration are Xabi Alonso, Enzo Maresca, and Cesc Fabregas. The six-time Premier League winner, now 55, saw his side surrender a two-goal advantage at Tottenham on Sunday, leaving them trailing Arsenal by six points.
Rival clubs and figures across the top flight increasingly sense that Guardiola will depart following a decade at the helm. Despite a two-year contract extension confirmed in November 2024 that keeps him tied until summer 2027, planning for his potential exit appears to have commenced.
Alonso, dismissed by Real Madrid in January, remains a strong contender despite his previous five-year spell at Liverpool making him an unconventional choice for City. Should Liverpool require a new manager, with Arne Slot facing pressure over Champions League qualification, they would almost certainly pursue the Spaniard.
Maresca, who served as Guardiola’s assistant at the Etihad, was let go by Chelsea last month. The Italian confirmed he had held discussions with representatives from both City and Juventus before his Stamford Bridge departure. Fabregas, a former player under Guardiola, has earned widespread admiration for guiding Como to sixth place in Serie A since taking permanent charge in July 2024.
Former City captain Vincent Kompany is not expected to leave Bayern Munich, having extended his contract until 2029 in October. Sources close to the situation have painted a concerning picture of the squad’s mentality following Sunday’s result. There are rumors in the City camp that some players do not possess the same hunger as previous squads amid speculation over Guardiola’s future.
Questions have also been raised about whether the squad exhibits the same desire as their title rivals. An insider stated, “It just doesn’t look as though it means as much to them as Arsenal. Most of them have won all those trophies and if they win the title, then great. But if they don’t, does it mean as much?” This sentiment underscores a shift; with players seemingly content, or even jovial, during critical moments, such as Erling Haaland laughing with Tottenham players near the end of the game when City needed a goal.
Rodri expressed his frustration with officiating after Dominic Solanke’s opening goal was allowed to stand despite appearing to kick Marc Guehi’s leg before scoring. He stated: “I know we won too much and the people don’t want us to win, but the referee has to be neutral. For me it’s not fair.” Rodri argued that, given the effort players put in, decisions should reflect that commitment.
In essence, the tactician’s impending exit seems to cast a shadow over the current squad, where ambition and effort are now under scrutiny. As fans and commentators watch closely, City’s next steps will undoubtedly shape both the club’s future and the ongoing narrative of the Premier League.
