Man City are reportedly planning for life after Pep Guardiola, with Xabi Alonso, Enzo Maresca, and Cesc Fabregas named as potential successors.
Manchester City may already be preparing for a future without Pep Guardiola, as fresh reports suggest the club has identified potential successors should the legendary manager decide to step away.
Rumours surrounding Guardiola’s long-term future at Man City refuse to fade, and a new report indicates that the club’s hierarchy could be quietly working on a contingency plan for the post-Guardiola era.
Guardiola’s Transformational Impact At Man City
Since taking charge in 2016, Pep Guardiola has reshaped Man City into one of the most dominant forces in modern football. His reign has delivered 15 major trophies, highlighted by five Premier League titles and the long-awaited Champions League triumph that finally completed the club’s European ambitions.
Guardiola’s influence at the Etihad has gone far beyond silverware. His footballing philosophy, squad evolution, and relentless standards have defined an era — making the question of succession one of the biggest challenges City will ever face.
Replacing a manager of Guardiola’s stature would be a defining moment for the club.
Man City Shortlist Three Possible Successors
According to The Telegraph, Man City have drawn up a three-man shortlist in case Guardiola leaves after the 2025/26 season. The reported candidates are Xabi Alonso, Enzo Maresca, and Cesc Fabregas — all managers who align with the club’s footballing identity in different ways.
Xabi Alonso has earned widespread praise for his work at Bayer Leverkusen, impressing with his composed leadership and modern tactical approach. His rise in management has caught attention across Europe, making him a strong candidate should City seek continuity in style.
Enzo Maresca brings a deeper connection to Man City, having previously worked under Guardiola. His understanding of the club’s philosophy and recent experience as a head coach are viewed as key strengths.
Cesc Fabregas, meanwhile, is quietly building his managerial profile at Como. His approach blends Guardiola-influenced principles with his own ideas, placing him firmly on City’s radar as a long-term option.
Why Guardiola’s Future Is Under The Spotlight
While Guardiola remains under contract until 2027, the report suggests there is a growing belief within football circles that he could walk away at the end of the season.
Recent on-field struggles have only intensified the speculation. Man City currently sit six points behind Arsenal, have managed just one win in their last five Premier League matches, and most recently surrendered a 2–0 lead in a draw against Tottenham.
Although form fluctuations are nothing new, Guardiola’s history of stepping away after intense spells has added weight to the rumours.
Guardiola’s History Of Taking Break
Guardiola has never hidden his tendency to reset. After leaving Barcelona in 2012, he took a sabbatical before returning to management with Bayern Munich. He has previously hinted that a similar break could follow the end of his Man City chapter.
Those comments, combined with recent results, have led to increased focus on what comes next — even as Guardiola continues to lead the team through another demanding campaign.
Man City Still Focused On The Present
Despite the uncertainty, Man City remain firmly engaged in the current season. A Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Newcastle awaits, followed by a high-stakes Premier League clash with Liverpool.
For now, Guardiola remains fully in charge, and City are still competing on multiple fronts. Any decision about his future — or his successor — remains for another day.
But as speculation grows, it is clear that Man City are at least thinking ahead, preparing for the moment when one of the most influential eras in their history finally comes to an end.
FAQs
❓ Is Pep Guardiola leaving Man City?
Pep Guardiola is under contract until 2027, but reports suggest there is growing belief he could step away after the 2025/26 season.
❓ Who could replace Pep Guardiola at Man City?
According to reports, Man City have shortlisted Xabi Alonso, Enzo Maresca, and Cesc Fabregas as possible successors.
❓ Why are Man City planning for life after Guardiola?
Speculation has increased due to recent form struggles and Guardiola’s history of taking breaks after long managerial spells.
❓ Is Man City still competing this season?
Yes, Man City remain active in competitions, with a Carabao Cup semi-final second leg and a key league clash with Liverpool coming up.
Jose Mourinho Breaks Silence on Real Madrid Return Rumours
February 17, 2026
Jose Mourinho dismisses Real Madrid return speculation ahead of Benfica’s Champions League clash, reaffirming loyalty despite Florentino Perez links. Jose Mourinho expresses commitment to Benfica despite connections to Florentino Perez, prior to their Champions League matchup with Real Madrid. No Means No, Perez! Jose Mourinho Silences Real Madrid Discussions Ahead of UCL Clash Jose Mourinho asserts he can refuse Florentino
Stan Wawrinka Makes History at 40 With Top 100 Comeback
February 17, 2026
Stan Wawrinka returns to the ATP Top 100 at age 40 after his Rotterdam run and breaks Roger Federer’s Grand Slam five-set record at Australian Open 2026. Wawrinka became the first player in the Top 100 over 40 years old since Roger Federer in 2022. 40 and Soaring: Stan Wawrinka Redefines Tennis Legacy; Enters Elite Circle with Federer Stan Wawrinka
Will Abhishek Sharma Deliver? India Likely to Rotate Squad vs Netherlands
February 17, 2026
Abhishek Sharma’s recent struggles put him in focus as India may test bench strength against Netherlands in T20 World Cup 2026. Check India’s likely playing XI. World No. 1 T20I batsman Abhishek Sharma has not scored any runs in four of the last six T20I games for Team India. The top-ranked T20I team India will compete against the Netherlands in
Australia Add Steve Smith to T20 World Cup Squad Before Sri Lanka Match
February 16, 2026
Steve Smith joins Australia’s T20 World Cup squad as a replacement ahead of the crucial match against Sri Lanka amid Mitchell Marsh’s injury concerns. Batter Steve Smith has been included in Australia’s T20 World Cup team ahead of Monday’s vital clash with Sri Lanka in Pallekele. Smith, 36, went to Sri Lanka as a replacement after captain Mitchell Marsh was
England vs Italy: Why Harry Brook’s Team Must Stay Cautious
February 16, 2026
Harry Brook headlines England’s cautious approach as they face confident Italy in a must-win T20 World Cup clash at Eden that could decide Super Eight qualification. England cautious of Italy threat before vital T20 World Cup matchup at Eden. A victory could secure Super Eight advancement as England looks for consistency, while a confident Italy aims to build on momentum
Babar Azam Under Pressure After India Defeat
February 16, 2026
Babar Azam may be dropped from Pakistan’s playing XI for the Namibia match after a poor performance against India in the 2026 T20 World Cup. Pakistan is reportedly poised to BENCH Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi for the Namibia match in the 2026 T20 World Cup following subpar displays against India. The Pakistan cricket team is said to be removing
England vs Italy: Harry Brook Opts to Bat in Crucial T20 World Cup Match
February 16, 2026
England choose to bat in an attempt to secure a Super Eights position, with both teams remaining the same. Wayne Madsen from Italy is still out of action due to the dislocated shoulder he suffered while fielding against Scotland. On Monday afternoon in Kolkata, England opted to bat first against Italy after winning their fourth consecutive toss. They will secure
India vs Pakistan Knockout Clash Possible? T20 World Cup Scenario Explained
February 16, 2026
India vs Pakistan could meet again in T20 World Cup 2026 — but only in knockouts. Here’s how a semi-final or final clash is possible. As India overcame Pakistan in their Group A encounter, we examine the potential situations of the two competitors facing off once more at the current ICC T20 World Cup 2026. The Indian men’s cricket team
‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ episode 5: Global Schedule, Time and Date
February 15, 2026
‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ Episode 5 titled In the Name of the Mother releases on Feb 15–16, 2026. Check global release times, streaming platforms, and episode updates. Located within the realm of ‘Game of Thrones‘, the fantasy series ‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ has captivated audiences. Season 1 draws inspiration from the novella ‘The Hedge Knight’ and
Annabel Sutherland Wins Belinda Clark Award Again
February 15, 2026
Annabel Sutherland has been awarded the Belinda Clark Award as Australia’s top female player for the second consecutive year. Sutherland edged out Beth Mooney for the top honor, receiving 77 votes compared to Mooney’s 74 during a time largely influenced by the ODI World Cup. Aside from that tournament, the only other matches were the three-match T20I series against New