With Manchester City’s slump showing no signs of ending, pressure is mounting on Pep Guardiola and speculation grows as to be the Next Man City Manager if he does leave the Etihad.
Next Man City Manager: 5 Huge Replacements for Pep at The Etihad
While Guardiola signed a new two-year contract with the Citizens in November, recent performances have sparked a debate over his future and we’ve picked out five coaches who could be poised to take over the reins in Manchester.
Next Man City Manager: Xabi Alonso
The timing wasn’t right for Xabi Alonso when Jurgen Klopp stepped down as Liverpool boss and the Reds instead decided to go for Arne Slot, a move which is proving a masterstroke as they headed into the Christmas period at the top of the Premier League table.
Alonso was heavily linked with the Reds’ hotseat before deciding to stay at Bayer Leverkusen, having led the German club to a magnificent unbeaten Bundesliga title-winning season, while also bagging the DFB Pokal and reaching the Europa League final. While they’re still in the title hunt this term, Leverkusen look likely to finish second to Bayern Munich and that could tempt Alonso to look elsewhere for employment. His high-tempo style of play wouldn’t look out of place in Manchester.
Next Man City Manager: Michel
While not the most recognisable potential candidate, Girona boss Michel would make sense for City, whose City Football Group owners hold a 47% share in the Spanish club.
With Michel at the helm, Girona have scaled impressive heights, daring to challenge the dominance of Real Madrid and Barcelona last season, eventually finishing third on 81 points and qualifying for the Champions League. A tactically astute coach in the Guardiola mould, Michel would likely be readily available to make the move if the Citizens come calling.
Next Man City Manager: Vincent Kompany
Revered in the blue half of Manchester thanks to a stellar playing career, former City captain Vincent Kompany would be a popular appointment among fans, although he could prove tough to prise away from Bayern if he leads them to success this season.
The Belgian knows the club well and will be in the frame for the role whenever Guardiola does depart, but he’s only just starting his career at Bayern and he still has to prove himself at the top level.
Next Man City Manager: Roberto De Zerbi
Roberto De Zerbi’s stock was high when he left Brighton in the summer and he’s still in the discussion to be next City manager, although his tenure at Marseille has been tumultuous. The Italian threatened to quit the French club in November following a poor run of home results and, while they went into the Christmas break in second place in the Ligue 1 table, they are ten points adrift of perennial title winners Paris St-Germain.
Next Man City Manager: Xavi Hernandez
Who better to replace Guardiola as Manchester City manager than the man who inherited his place at the heart of Barcelona’s midfield? Only Lionel Messi made more appearances as a player for Guardiola’s all-conquering Barca than Xaxi, who spent three years managing the Catalan giants, winning the La Liga title in 2022/23.
The former midfield maestro is a big name, but he’s been keen to play down Guardiola comparisons in the past, so he might not be so eager to follow in the footsteps of his old boss.
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