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.
Mahindra’s 2026 XUV700 Facelift May Arrive With a Surprise Name Change — What to Expect
November 23, 2025
The fact that Mahindra has trademarked the “XUV 7XO” name raises the possibility that the 2026 Mahindra XUV700 facelift will have a new identity. The filing provides us with a clear indication of Mahindra’s direction, even though the automaker hasn’t made any official announcements. This trend of nomenclature was already present in the carmaker’s lineup when the XUV300 facelift was
‘120 Bahadur’ Review: Farhan Akhtar Leads a Stirring Retelling of Rezang La’s Unbreakable Courage
November 21, 2025
In 120 Bahadur, which is set on the 63rd anniversary of the battle, the Chinese army was forced to declare a unilateral ceasefire due to the Charlie Company of the Kumaon Regiment, under the command of Major Shaitan Singh Bhati . Image Credit: Excel Movies
Tragedy at Dubai Air Show: Tejas Jet Explodes After Crash, Pilot Confirmed Dead
November 21, 2025
Whether or not the pilot ejected is yet unknown. We are awaiting an official statement from the Indian Air Force. Tejas Fighter As spectators watched, a Tejas fighter jet crashed on Friday afternoon during a flying demonstration at the Dubai Air Show, unleashing a plume of dense black smoke above Al Maktoum International Airport. Officials did not immediately confirm the
5.7-Magnitude Earthquake in Bangladesh: Tremors Shake Kolkata and Northeast India
November 21, 2025
On Friday, an earthquake of magnitude 5.7 occurred close to Dhaka, Bangladesh, causing vibrations across Kolkata and Northeast India. Around 10:10 a.m., Kolkata residents reported a slight shaking, and many of them fled into the streets as a precaution. Guwahati, Agartala, and Shillong also reported similar light earthquakes, but there were no immediate reports of damage or casualties. Earthquake On
Heavy Rainfall Alert for Thoothukudi on November 17: IMD Issues Fresh Forecast
November 16, 2025
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has shared a weather alert for heavy rainfall in Thoothukudi. They say more showers could get stronger on November 17. The district has seen a lot of rain up to now, and the weather this time shows there can be more rain soon. Recent Rainfall in Thoothukudi Thoothukudi district got an average of 16 mm
‘Varanasi’: Rajamouli’s 2027 Mega-Saga That Connects Ancient Legends With Futuristic Cinema
November 16, 2025
Varanasi:S.S. Rajamouli is the filmmaker who made big hits like RRR and the Baahubali series. He has now shown the world his biggest movie so far. The new film is called “Varanasi.” This Telugu-language movie mixes time-travel, Hindu stories, and big scenes in a way not seen before. It is a big step for Indian movies.The announcement happened in Hyderabad.
Tata Sierra: All-New SUV Comes Out Before November 25 Launch
November 15, 2025
The new Tata Sierra is here. It was shown to people even before its official launch on November 25. Many people feel excited about this. The car looks good, and it has some fresh features that are talked about a lot. If you want to know what Tata brings to the table this time, keep an eye out for more
Srinagar Blast: 9 Killed, 32 Injured in Accidental Explosion at Nowgam Police Station
November 15, 2025
Srinagar Blast:The tragic blast at the Nowgam Police Station in Srinagar happened on Friday night, November 14, 2025. This event has left people in the whole area shocked.J&K Director General of Police (DGP) Nalin Prabhat said that the explosion happened by accident. It took place when officials were taking care of seized explosives from Faridabad. This has made many people
Maruti Suzuki Recalls 39,506 Grand Vitara cars because there is a problem with the fuel indicator
November 15, 2025
Maruti Suzuki India Ltd is calling back 39,506 Grand Vitara SUVs. They found a possible problem with the fuel level and the warning light. This is to make sure customers stay safe and the cars keep working well.The company said that the Grand Vitara cars made between December 9, 2024, and April 29, 2025, are the ones affected. Why Is
Yamaha FZ-Rave and Bajaj Pulsar N160: Price, Specs, and Features
November 14, 2025
If you want to get a stylish motorcycle in India that doesn’t cost too much, the Yamaha FZ-Rave and Bajaj Pulsar N160 are two bikes you should look at. Both of these bikes are made for people who want good value, steady performance, and current features, but still want to keep the price low. Yamaha just put out the FZ-Rave