According to a recent report, Manchester City has compiled a shortlist of five candidates as they search for a strong successor to head coach Pep Guardiola.
Guardiola’s future at the Etihad Stadium has come into question, with speculation about his potential departure at the end of the season, despite his contract running until 2027.
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The 55-year-old signed a two-and-a-half-year extension in November 2024 and has consistently downplayed rumors regarding his exit during recent press conferences.
Nevertheless, there is a prevailing belief within Premier League circles, backed by reputable English media sources, that Guardiola is more likely than ever to step down from his role at Manchester City after this season.
Enzo Maresca has emerged as the frontrunner to succeed Guardiola when he ultimately departs. The former City assistant coach was let go from his position at Chelsea on January 1.
Before his departure from Stamford Bridge, Maresca reportedly informed Chelsea executives that he had initiated preliminary discussions with Manchester City officials about potentially taking over from Guardiola in the future.
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Maresca’s prior experience as Guardiola’s assistant, along with his management of City’s Elite Development Squad (EDS) during the 2020-21 season, explains why he remains a popular choice at the Etihad Stadium.
The recruitment of Guardiola’s successor is being spearheaded by Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak and director of football Hugo Viana, with recent reports indicating a growing belief at the club that Guardiola is unlikely to seek an extension beyond 2027.
Whether Guardiola will complete the final year of his current contract is expected to be clarified at the end of the season, as Manchester City continues to pursue an unprecedented quadruple in their inaugural season under Viana’s leadership.
In a comprehensive Q&A, Simon Bajkowski of the Manchester Evening News shared insights on the candidates being considered to replace Guardiola at the Etihad Stadium.
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The report mentions that Maresca, Luis Enrique, Andoni Iraola, Thomas Tuchel, and Roberto De Zerbi are all contenders for the role, while former City player Vincent Kompany from Bayern Munich is noted as a potential dark horse. Enrique is currently well-established at Paris Saint-Germain after winning a treble, while Tuchel has recently committed to a new contract as England manager. Regardless of who takes over from Guardiola, City fans are understandably apprehensive about bidding farewell to a coach who has transformed the club and reshaped English football since his arrival in 2016.