Spanish coach in pole position to replace Pep Guardiola at Manchester City | OneFootball

Former Bayer Leverkusen and Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso is in pole position to replace Pep Guardiola as Manchester City head coach, according to reports.

While there is no immediate suggestion of an imminent change in the Etihad Stadium dugout, Manchester City are seemingly keeping a close eye on succession planning behind the scenes, with Guardiola’s long-term future beyond his current contract a topic of consideration.

The Catalan coach is currently contracted until the summer of 2027, but Manchester City officials have historically preferred to work well in advance when it comes to major structural decisions both directly on the pitch and away from it.

Pep Guardiola’s current project at Manchester City has entered a transitional phase, with a renewed emphasis on squad evolution, youth integration, and longer-term planning following a hugely difficult 2024/25 campaign spent largely battling for a top-four finish.

Against that backdrop, Manchester City’s hierarchy are believed to be monitoring coaches capable of sustaining Guardiola’s principles while also offering a fresh voice.

Now, according to the information of journalist Duncan Castles, Spanish coach Xabi Alonso is in pole position to succeed Pep Guardiola as Manchester City manager, with those at the Etihad Stadium sounding out Alonso before he was dismissed as Real Madrid boss.

The report seems to indicate a longer-standing admiration for Alonso’s work dating back to his Bundesliga success with Bayer Leverkusen, and an ability to blend tactical discipline with attacking fluidity.

Any move for Alonso would, however, be shaped heavily by Pep Guardiola’s own intentions. As has been consistently stated, there is no immediate pressure on Guardiola to step aside, and City remain relaxed about his position. Much will depend on whether he feels he has the energy and motivation to lead another season given the ongoing difficulties this campaign.

Should Pep Guardiola ultimately decide to move on, Manchester City are expected to act decisively rather than entering a prolonged transition period, and Xabi Alonso’s current availability makes him an obvious candidate.