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.
Deepti Sharma Rewrites Cricket History, Crosses 150 T20I Wickets in Landmark Spell
December 27, 2025
India’s top all-rounder Deepti Sharma delivered a performance filled with records in the third T20 International against Sri Lanka, surpassing Australian legend Ellyse Perry to claim the position of the third-highest wicket-taker in women’s international cricket. Deepti Sharma posted figures of 3 for 18 at Thiruvananthapuram, bringing her total to 333 international wickets, surpassing Perry, who concluded her career with
From Record-Breaking Runs to Rashtrapati Bhavan: 14-Year-Old Vaibhav Suryavanshi Honoured with Bal Puraskar
December 26, 2025
Vaibhav Suryavanshi, 14 years old, was awarded the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Teenage cricket prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshi traded runs for accolades on Friday when he received the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar from President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi. Read More: At Just 14, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Redefines Cricketing History
At Just 14, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Redefines Cricketing History with a 190-Run Blitz
December 26, 2025
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi made history with an impressive display in the Vijay Hazare Trophy on Wednesday. Competing for Bihar in their opening Plate Group match of the 2025–26 season, the 14-year-old opener delivered one of the most extraordinary innings ever witnessed in domestic cricket. Sooryavanshi scored 190 runs off merely 84 balls against Arunachal Pradesh. He started the batting for the
Rohit Sharma’s Gesture Wins Hearts as Mumbai Captain Shines in Vijay Hazare Opener
December 25, 2025
Indian batting icon Rohit Sharma demonstrated once more why he is cherished not only for his cricket skills but also for his modest demeanor. Rohit Sharma’s Gesture With Young Fan Goes Viral Following Mumbai’s first match in the Vijay Hazare Trophy on Wednesday, a young supporter attempted to touch Rohit’s feet as a gesture of respect. Rohit promptly halted him
‘Stranger Things 5’ Volume 2 Teaser Breakdown: Mr. Whatsit, Vecna, and the Fate of Hawkins Kids
December 25, 2025
Now is the moment to revisit and review all previous seasons of ‘Stranger Things,’ since the ultimate journey is just around the corner. During the countdown, the creators have unveiled a new teaser for ‘Stranger Things 5’ Volume 2. Before the December 26 launch, this teaser offers a glimpse of what to anticipate, including the plot twist, character development, and
Rohit Sharma’s 155 Sets the Tone for Mumbai’s Dominant Vijay Hazare Trophy Start
December 24, 2025
Rohit Sharma delivered an impressive performance with 155 runs as Mumbai kicked off their Vijay Hazare Trophy journey with a solid victory against Sikkim at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur, where they effortlessly chased the target and secured the match by eight wickets. Sikkim won the coin toss and opted to bat initially. They set a challenging score of
Rohit Sharma’s Domestic Return Triggers Crowd Scare at Jaipur Stadium
December 24, 2025
Rohit Sharma’s comeback to domestic cricket was intended to be discreet — a practice session, some calm preparation, and a stroll back to the locker room. In contrast, his initial Vijay Hazare Trophy appearance in Jaipur provided a reminder of the excitement that continues to accompany one of India’s most prominent sports figures. Also Read: India’s Probable XI for T20
India’s Probable XI for T20 World Cup 2026
December 24, 2025
As India prepares for the T20 World Cup 2026, the focus is clearly on balance, versatility, and impact players who can deliver under pressure. The probable XI reflects a blend of explosive batting, reliable all-round options, and a lethal bowling attack capable of dominating any opposition. Also Read: 4,000 and Counting! Smriti Mandhana Sets Historic T20I Benchmark for India A
4,000 and Counting! Smriti Mandhana Sets Historic T20I Benchmark for India
December 23, 2025
Indian star player Smriti Mandhana made history in the first Women’s T20I match against Sri Lanka on Sunday in Visakhapatnam. The left-handed opener reached a significant milestone and joined an exclusive group in women’s T20 international cricket. Mandhana made history as the first Indian woman cricketer to exceed 4,000 runs in T20Is. This is a significant milestone for Indian cricket.
‘No Energy Left’: Rohit Sharma Reveals How 2023 World Cup Final Broke Him Mentally
December 23, 2025
In a shocking and heartfelt confession, ex-India captain Rohit Sharma revealed that he considered quitting cricket entirely following India’s heavy defeat to Australia in the final of the 2023 ODI World Cup held in Ahmedabad. Addressing an event at Masters’ Union on Sunday, Rohit revealed the emotional impact of the loss, recounting a time when the sport he cherished seemed