Manchester City are already beginning to look toward the future after Pep Guardiola openly acknowledged that his time at the Etihad Stadium will not last forever. Speaking last Friday, the City manager said the club “must be prepared” for his eventual departure, adding that he would “not be here eternally.”
Guardiola, now 54, has redefined English football during his nine-year reign in the Premier League. Under his leadership, City have won six Premier League titles, lifted the Champions League, and established one of the most dominant footballing eras in modern history.
While no official exit date has been set and Guardiola still has 18 months remaining on his current contract, it is understood that Manchester City have already begun identifying potential successors. At least two candidates are believed to be under consideration, though no names have been confirmed publicly.
Replacing Guardiola will be one of the most demanding managerial challenges in world football, and City’s hierarchy, led by sporting director Hugo Viana, will be tasked with finding a coach capable of maintaining the club’s elite standards.
Below are some of the names who could realistically be in contention to take over when Guardiola eventually steps aside.
Premier League-Based Contenders
Manchester City could first look domestically, where several Premier League managers have demonstrated tactical intelligence, squad-building skills, and experience at the highest level.
Enzo Maresca (Chelsea)
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has already dismissed links to City as “100% speculation,” but his name continues to surface. The Italian enjoyed success at Stamford Bridge by winning the Club World Cup, though he has also voiced frustration about a lack of internal support and the need for more experienced players.
Crucially, Maresca is familiar with City’s internal structure, having worked as Guardiola’s assistant during the 2022–23 season. That relationship, combined with his positional style of play, makes him a logical candidate.
Unai Emery (Aston Villa)
Unai Emery has transformed Aston Villa from relegation candidates into a side competing for European places and even the Premier League title. Villa currently sit just three points behind league leaders Arsenal.
With vast European experience and a proven ability to elevate squads, Emery could appeal to City’s decision-makers as a steady, elite-level successor.
Andoni Iraola (Bournemouth)
Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola has impressed by guiding an unfancied side to a ninth-place finish last season. His attacking philosophy and adaptability have attracted interest from bigger clubs, and City may view him as a long-term project.
Other Domestic Options
- Oliver Glasner (Crystal Palace), whose contract expires this summer, famously led Palace to an FA Cup final victory over City last season
- Eddie Howe, who ended Newcastle’s trophy drought by winning the EFL Cup and has proven capable of managing elite talent
Continental Heavyweights
City may instead look to Europe, where several high-profile managers boast Champions League pedigree and philosophical similarities to Guardiola.
Luis Enrique (Paris St-Germain)
Former Barcelona and Spain manager Luis Enrique achieved what PSG had long craved by delivering a Champions League title last season, completing a historic Treble.
However, his appointment could be complicated by a past decision involving goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, who was sold to City under Enrique’s watch.
Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid)
Xabi Alonso rose rapidly after leading Bayer Leverkusen to a Bundesliga title, ending Bayern Munich’s dominance. Though currently under pressure at Real Madrid, his admiration from Guardiola — who has publicly said he “loves” Alonso — keeps him firmly in the conversation.
Vincent Kompany (Bayern Munich)
A fan favorite, Vincent Kompany captained City to four Premier League titles during his playing career. Now Bayern Munich manager, Kompany has rebuilt his reputation spectacularly after relegation with Burnley, winning the Bundesliga last season and currently holding a commanding lead at the top.
His deep understanding of City’s culture makes him one of the most popular potential successors.
Other European Names
- Zinedine Zidane, currently unattached but possibly waiting for the France job
- Roberto De Zerbi, excelling at Marseille after his Brighton spell, though his temperament could concern City’s hierarchy
- Julian Nagelsmann, still only 38, whose future may depend on Germany’s World Cup performance
Internal Options at Manchester City
Could City promote from within?
Pep Lijnders
Former Liverpool assistant Pep Lijnders, now Guardiola’s right-hand man, has inside knowledge of City’s structure but endured difficult solo managerial spells at NEC and Red Bull Salzburg. His limited success may make City reluctant to take such a risk.
Oliver Reiss
City’s Under-18s coach Oliver Reiss led his side to 21 consecutive wins and the Premier League North title. While highly promising, the leap to first-team management may come too soon.
Wildcard Possibilities
Some names feel unlikely — but football has surprised before.
Mikel Arteta (Arsenal)
Former Guardiola assistant Mikel Arteta has turned Arsenal into consistent title challengers, finishing second in the league for three consecutive seasons. City currently trail closely behind Arsenal this year, making any move highly improbable, but his City roots keep the door slightly ajar.
Jurgen Klopp
A true curveball. Jurgen Klopp, now head of the Red Bull football group, enjoyed legendary duels with Guardiola during his time at Liverpool. Guardiola has often cited Klopp as his greatest rival. A move to City would be shocking — but not impossible.
Preparing for Life After Guardiola
While Guardiola remains firmly in charge, Manchester City are wisely planning ahead. His eventual successor will inherit not just a squad of world-class players, but also the immense pressure of following one of football’s greatest managers.
Whoever takes over will need tactical brilliance, emotional intelligence, and the ability to thrive under relentless scrutiny — qualities Guardiola has embodied for nearly a decade.
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