Manchester City have at least four names in mind to replace Pep Guardiola as head coach if he leaves the Etihad at the end of next season, according to the Daily Mail.
While Guardiola has not expressly stated that he will depart when his contract expires in June next year, the Cityzens now fear that it is a very real possibility.
It means that the Premier League champions are already putting contingency plans in place to prepare for a change in the dugout.
Who are the four managerial candidates being considered by City?
The Daily Mail report that Girona boss Michel is highly regarded. The Spanish club have performed well above expectations this season, having finished 3rd in La Liga.
When you also factor in that Girona are part of the City Football Group, it would make a move for Michel a lot easier to negotiate.
Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann is another name who would be in the frame but he has recently signed a new contract keeping him with Die Mannschaft until the summer of 2026.
The two most intriguing candidates, though, are Bayer Leverkusen’s Xabi Alonso and former Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi.
Alonso reportedly turned down Liverpool to stay at Leverkusen but he could be available next year. He would also be a good fit as he has a very similar style of play to Guardiola.
De Zerbi, on the other hand, was until recently a contender for the Chelsea job, but the Blues have subsequently shortened their shortlist to Enzo Maresca and Thomas Frank. The Italian’s football philosophy is greatly admired, with Guardiola among his biggest fans.
What has Guardiola said about De Zerbi?
When speaking about Brighton at the end of last season, the City boss reserved special praise for their head coach:
“Roberto De Zerbi is one of the most influential managers in the last 20 years. There is no team that plays the way they play, it’s unique. I had the feeling when he arrived, I had an idea the impact he would have on the Premier League would be great but I couldn’t expect him to do it in such a short time.”
Those glowing remarks from Guardiola are likely to prove very influential if and when City are forced into replacing him.
