Pep Guardiola is anticipated to leave Manchester City next summer when his contract expires.
Since Guardiola’s arrival in Manchester eight years ago, City have enjoyed unprecedented success, winning six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, four League Cups, and securing their first-ever Champions League title as part of an historic treble last season.
The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss has entered the final 12 months of his contract at the Etihad, and City are eager for him to sign an extension. However, the Daily Mail reports that City fear Guardiola will choose to walk away at the end of next season.
Several names are already being considered as potential successors. Among them is Girona head coach Michel, who has earned a strong reputation in Spain by guiding Girona to Champions League qualification, competing effectively against Real Madrid and Barcelona.
Another potential target is Julian Nagelsmann, the former Bayern boss now leading the Germany national team until 2026.
Xabi Alonso is also highly regarded after guiding Bayer Leverkusen to the German title. The former Spain international has turned down interest from Liverpool and Bayern to stay at Leverkusen for at least another season.
Additionally, Guardiola himself admires Roberto De Zerbi, who is currently a free agent after leaving Brighton at the end of the season.
City recently won their fourth consecutive league title, setting a new record, but missed out on a double after losing to Manchester United in the FA Cup final.
Last week, Guardiola expressed doubts about his future at City, suggesting that finding new motivation after all their success might be challenging.
“Last year, after Istanbul [the Champions League final win over Inter Milan], I said it’s over, there’s nothing left,” Guardiola said. “But I have a contract and I start to think ‘no one has done four in a row, why don’t we try?’. And now I feel it’s done, so what next?
“Now I don’t know what exactly the motivation is because it’s difficult to find it when everything is done.”
He added, “The reality is I am closer to leaving than staying. We have talked with the club – my feeling is that I want to stay now. I will stay next season and during the season we will talk. But eight or nine years – we will see.”
