MANCHESTER CITY look set to be on the hunt for a new boss in 2025.
Pep Guardiola has done it all in his seven seasons at the Etihad, capping his stint off by winning the Champions League on Saturday to complete a historic Treble.
Some suspected that he might ride off into the sunset after achieving such a feat, but Guardiola plans to fulfil the remaining two years of his deal.
According to The Guardian, the 52-year-old plans to walk away from City in 2025 when his deal is up.
His Etihad departure will mark the end of a stunning era of dominance at the club.
Guardiola has so far won five Premier League titles, two FA Cups, four League Cups and a Champions League at City.
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These add to the numerous trophies he won while at the helms of Barcelona and Bayern Munich.
He was previously claimed to be hoping to win titles in all of Europe’s top four leagues – which would suggest a future move to Serie A.
These plans are said to have “changed”, however, and international football may beckon.
Ahead of Guardiola’s potential exit, we take an early look at the men that could be in the frame to replace him at City – including three proteges.
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VINCENT KOMPANY
Belgian defender spent the final three seasons of his legendary Manchester City tenure playing under Guardiola.
He has since embarked on a managerial career with Anderlecht and then Burnley – winning the Championship title in stunning fashion with the latter.
Kompany’s return would be a huge hit with the fans, and his knowledge of Guardiola’s methods could help provide some sort of continuity.
MIKEL ARTETA
Following his 2016 playing retirement, Arteta immediately launched his coaching career by accepting an offer to become Guardiola’s Man City No2.
Arteta, 41, was able to learn under his former mentor for over three years before landing the Arsenal top job in late 2019.
The Spaniard rivalled City for the Premier League title last term, but could be tempted to return there in future, given the incredible resources that would be at his disposal.
XAVI
Another Guardiola protege, Xavi was among the most important players in the City boss’ early managerial career.
Xavi, 43, has already tasted success as a boss himself, winning the Qatari title with Al Sadd in 2019 before translating that success to LaLiga with Barcelona last term.
Like Kompany and Arteta, Xavi’s methods could provide some continuity – while he may potentially be tempted away from Barca in future, given the financial issues that still hang over them.
JULIAN NAGELSMANN
Although not a former Guardiola general, Nagelsmann is among the most exciting young managers in the game.
The 35-year-old experienced his first setback earlier this year, when he was harshly sacked by Bayern Munich.
But given his penchant for attractive football and obvious pedigree, Nagelsmann may be one to watch when the City job eventually becomes vacant.
ZINEDINE ZIDANE
Although not renowned for playing similar, Johan Cruyff-inspired football to Guardiola, Zidane would bring with him his own kind of pedigree and aura.
The Frenchman, a global icon as a player, has largely translated his on-pitch prowess to the dugout since hanging up his boots.
Out of work Zizou, 50, won three Champions Leagues over two spells with Real Madrid – the same number that Guardiola has won across his career.
EDDIE HOWE
Newcastle boss Howe has rightly received plenty of praise for the job he has done at St James’ Park.
Taking over with the club in a relegation scrap, Howe guided the Toon into the Champions League during his first full season in charge following a number of shrewd, rather than particularly glamorous, signings.
Prising him away from Newcastle would be extremely difficult politically, given City’s Abu Dhabi ownership and the Magpies’ Saudi chiefs.
ROBERTO DE ZERBI
Italian boss De Zerbi has gained plenty of admirers with his stunning work at Brighton.
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Arriving on the South Coast last September, De Zerbi built on Graham Potter’s foundations to guide his new side to the top six.
Under their impressive ownership Brighton remain upwardly mobile, and it might just take a job as alluring as the one at City to lure De Zerbi away.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
