“I think he’s still personally attached” – Former Manchester City defender identifies Pep Guardiola replacement | OneFootball

Former Manchester City defender Bacary Sagna has tipped current Bayern Munich boss Vincent Kompany to succeed Pep Guardiola at the Etihad Stadium.

Guardiola’s long-term future has naturally become a recurring storyline around the club, particularly with his current contract running until the end of the 2026/27 season.

While City maintain internal confidence that the Catalan will see out that deal, planning for life beyond him has prompted regular speculation. Earlier suggestions have included figures connected to the club, and Kompany’s name has appeared multiple times.

Vincent Kompany’s career trajectory has drawn attention across Europe, especially after the Belgian took over a Bayern Munich side and restored them to form. His tactical profile, leadership reputation, and deep emotional history with City have been frequent talking points, especially given the club’s long-standing preference to recruit individuals who understand the structure and culture that Pep Guardiola has shaped over more than a decade.

While the public stance from the club is that no definitive succession plan has been set at this stage, with Pep Guardiola still deeply committed to the long-term project, the possibility of Vincent Kompany eventually returning has been floated regularly.

Now, speaking to Oddspedia, former Manchester City defender Bacary Sagna believes that the club’s former captain Kompany would be the best option to take over from Pep Guardiola as head coach when the Catalan eventually leaves.

“I could see Vincent Kompany returning to Manchester City as manager after Pep Guardiola leaves. He knows the club very well and was there for years as a player and captain,” said Sagna.

The former France international continued, “I know he loves Manchester as a city too – I think he’s still personally attached to them even after all these years.

“He’s doing a brilliant job at Bayern Munich this season and as proven himself as a top-level coach, but I think it’s the personal attachment with Man City which would make him the best fit possible to become the club’s next manager.

“He won’t move from Bayern anytime soon, so it will depend on timings if he were to return to City, but I think he would be a really good fit for them.”

Sagna’s comments add a fresh layer to a storyline that has bubbled away for several months, particularly after Bayern Munich’s strong start under Vincent Kompany reignited talk that he could eventually return to the Etihad Stadium in a very different role.

His success in Germany contrasts with the uncertainty around several managerial positions across Europe, increasing the likelihood that clubs will begin circling for long-term planning.

From a Manchester City perspective, Kompany remains a popular internal and external candidate, but timing would be the decisive factor. Pep Guardiola has shown no indication that he intends to cut short his stay, while Bayern have no interest in parting with Kompany.