Former Tottenham man names 66-year-old as ideal Pep Guardiola successor at Manchester City | OneFootball

Manchester City could only look towards one name as a like-for-like replacement for Pep Guardiola, according to one pundit.

Uncertainty surrounding the long-term future of Guardiola continues to dominate discussion, with the Catalan now deep into his tenth season at City. Despite under contract until 2027, speculation has suggested the current campaign could represent a natural point for reflection after an era of unprecedented success.

While officials have remained publicly calm, succession planning is widely believed to be taking place in the background led by sporting director Hugo Viana – who succeeded Txiki Begiristain last summer.

With several high-profile coaches linked as potential long-term options should Guardiola eventually decide to step away from the Etihad Stadium, pundits and fans alike are weighing in on the discussion concerning an ideal candidate to step into the Catalan’s shoes.

Speaking during a new interview with 10bet, former Tottenham midfielder Jamie O’Hara has named one of the game’s most experienced managers as a suitable replacement for Guardiola – whenever that time comes.

On whether the ongoing campaign could mark the final season for Guardiola at the Etihad Stadium, O’Hara said, “Everyone looks knackered managing a top football club. It’s one of the hardest jobs in the world. Constant press conferences, constant pressure.

“Pressure ages you. Trust me, it ages you. It’s hard. And they get paid a fortune and it’s the best job in the world, I get that. But when you’re dealing with scrutiny and results – it’s a results-based business – every week you have to win, every week you have to perform, otherwise it’s all on you.”

O’Hara continued, “It is tough being a manager. So tough. So of course he’s going to get tired, needs a break at the end of the season and enjoy himself. But I just really think that he should relax in the summer.

“But I don’t think he is going to leave – I don’t think he’s going anywhere. I think Pep is in this for the long haul.”

One name that has been linked with potential interest from the Etihad Stadium is former Brighton & Hove Albion and Marseille boss Roberto De Zerbi, although Jamie O’Hara believes City should be looking in the direction of a current international head coach.

“I don’t know why everyone keeps going on like Pep’s going to leave,” O’Hara first insisted. “He might win three trophies this season. I know he’s been there a while and maybe he wants a break at some point, but I don’t see Pep leaving.

“He’s just built a new team and this team looks pretty decent. Maybe in the future De Zerbi might be someone they look at. I think he’s a good manager. No one’s going to be Pep unless you’re going to get [Carlo] Ancelotti or someone like that.

“But De Zerbi would be a decent fit for any team. Didn’t go well at Marseille but I think he’s a good manager. I don’t think Pep’s leaving yet though, I really don’t.”

Ancelotti, now 66-years-old and currently operating at international level, is seemingly being pointed out by Jamie O’Hara as the only figure currently in the game capable of mirroring Pep Guardiola’s stature and experience.

Carlo Ancelotti’s trophy-laden career – particularly at the helm of Real Madrid – and his notoriously calm authority have long marked him out as one of the modern game’s elite coaches.

Despite the noise, Manchester City’s internal preference is still believed to lean towards continuity, with former assistant Enzo Maresca widely regarded as a leading long-term candidate.

But until Pep Guardiola himself makes a definitive call on his future, debate will continue and reports surrounding the next phase of Manchester City’s rapid development in terms of success will only remain in flow.