Pep Guardiola’s departure from Manchester City has never seemed so likely. Who could be the successor?
Mikel Arteta
Don’t throw away your cell phones now dear Arsenal fans! We are not saying that this is a particularly realistic scenario. However, City would be foolish not to at least contact Arteta for a possible return, having worked as Guardiola’s assistant for so long.
It would be a continuity decision – but the Spaniard would have to be convinced first. Arteta is building something very special in north London and will almost certainly see his side in the Champions League for the first time in 2023/24.
Would he really give up everything at Arsenal to coach the Skyblues? That seems unlikely.
Ange Postecoglou
It may feel like an unconventional option, but if you scratch the surface, a decision for Postecoglou would not be so far-fetched from a city perspective.
The main reason for his name in this list is the experience within the CFG (City Football Group). Before joining Celtic in 2021, Postecoglou spent three successful years at Yokohama F. Marinos – CFG’s flagship club in Japan – leading the team to the 2019 J1 League title.
Since taking charge in Glasgow, Postecoglou has improved his reputation considerably as the Australian has helped the Hoops reassert Scottish supremacy. He is on course to claim a second consecutive league title this season and his attractive style of play and penchant for drawing full-backs into midfield when in possession make him a logical successor to Guardiola.
The big question is whether Postecoglou are able to cope with a dressing room full of far better quality players than Glasgow currently is – and his European record is tenuous at best. His ability to deal with the pressure Celtic is under will suggest he could be up to the challenge.
Patrick Viera
Another manager with CFG experience, former New York City boss Patrick Vieira has been attracting attention with his work at Crystal Palace in recent seasons.
The Eagles were on the brink of relegation when he took over in 2021 but the Frenchman brought superb players on board, untied the shackles imposed by Roy Hodgson and guided Palace to a comfortable mid-table finish and FA Cup semi-finals.
Things have gotten tougher this season but Vieira is still better than expected and could get a bigger offer if he continues as he has been.
Before taking office in New York, he worked as a coach for City’s youth teams and is therefore well acquainted with the club’s customs.
It may seem unlikely at the moment, but in a year Vieira could well become the English champions’ new manager.
Thomas Tuchel
After his controversial dismissal at Chelsea, Tuchel took a break. During this time he received several calls from clubs – there is no doubt that the ex-BVB coach is in demand.
A possible problem is that when City calls, Tuchel could already be off the market. He is being tipped to replace Antonio Conte at Tottenham should he let his contract expire. Even with Real Madrid, Juventus Turin and Bayern, it is quite possible that something will happen on the coaching chair.
Additionally, his notorious combative personality could ultimately put City off.
Julian Nagelsmann
Julian Nagelsmann is repeatedly criticized at Bayern, a knockout round in the Champions League could even mean the end for the 35-year-old in Munich.
Bayern have not really impressed in the Bundesliga this season. The departure of Robert Lewandowski and the subsequent injury to Sadio Mané obviously affected FCB’s performances.
So if City are looking for a young manager, Nagelsmann could soon be the focus. The ex-Leipzig coach exudes modernity and his vast expertise could make him the perfect man to lead the club into a new era.
Zinedine Zidane
Zidane has been without a club for quite some time. He’s had offers from France and America but for now he remains one of the hottest coaches available.
It seems strange considering he has guided Real Madrid to three Champions League titles: but Zidane is hardly mentioned when it comes to the best managers in the world tactically.
Zidane’s arrival would mean a significant change of direction at City, however, one cannot argue solely with the results he has achieved so far. And should the Citizens continue to have a strong enough squad, he would certainly be able to get something out of them.
Vincent Kompany
After a disappointing first step into coaching at Anderlecht, Kompany has secured a reputation as one of England’s most promising young coaches since arriving at Burnley.
The Belgian has transformed the Clarets’ style of play this season and still put in impressive results. Burnley has a good chance of promotion to the Premier League. All of this is extremely encouraging. The fact that he is a Manchester City legend would only help him.
Maurice Pochettino
It’s surprising that Pochettino hasn’t found a new club yet. The Argentine has been traded at various clubs but remains without a club. Perhaps the Argentine’s patience will pay off after all. On paper there is hardly a better manager to continue Guardiola’s work – especially when City are relegated or lose some of their top stars, a fresh start is likely.
There are similarities in style between the two coaches, especially when it comes to possession. Pochettino has also shown at PSG that he can handle high-pressure games well – even if the club’s typical European crisis after the defeat by Real Madrid in last season’s Champions League round of 16 cost him his job.
