Former Manchester City defender issues warning over post-Pep Guardiola era – Premier League boss tipped as replacement | OneFootball

Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta may have once been seen as the ideal successor to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, one of the club’s former defenders has admitted this week.

In the years since Guardiola first arrived at the Etihad Stadium, City have steadily built a footballing identity centred around the Catalan’s possession-focused, positionally-detailed style.

With Guardiola under contract until 2027 and his long-term future beyond that point unclear, discussions surrounding his successor have become increasingly prominent. Previous reporting has highlighted how Vincent Kompany continues to be monitored, while others like Julian Nagelsmann, Andoni Iraola, and Roberto De Zerbi have admirers.

Manchester City’s hierarchy are already preparing for the possibility that the post-Guardiola era could be challenging, but are determined to avoid anything resembling the turbulence experienced during their difficult 2024/25 campaign – when top-four qualification became a genuine battle.

Now, a fresh perspective from a former Blue offers a stark warning about what may come next.

Speaking during a new conversation with betting site BetWright, former City defender Danny Mills has warned his old club could enter a period of vulnerability beyond the Guardiola era – referencing the impact of Sir Alex Ferguson’s exit from Manchester United.

“It’s going to be very difficult to replace Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. He’s brought such a unique style of play and coaching, embedded in the club for almost a decade,” said Mills.

“The owners will have to consider whether they want to maintain that style, or move to a ‘win at all costs’ mentality, totally rebrand. Up until a few seasons ago, I would’ve suggested Mikel Arteta as a potential replacement, but that obviously won’t happen given what he’s achieved and built at Arsenal.”

He continued, “A lot depends on when Guardiola leaves, and who is available. I don’t think the managerial role will be in high demand; it could be considered a lose-lose situation for whoever succeeds Pep.”

Referencing Manchester United’s attempts at replacing their own greatest-ever manager, Danny Mills explained, “When David Moyes replaced Sir Alex Ferguson, he was never going to replicate success of the past, but expectation was there.

“It’s highly unlikely anyone will be able to better Pep’s achievements, so it’s going to be very difficult for the club and succeeding manager.”

In the broader picture, Mills’ comments reinforce sentiment echoed by several former players that succeeding Guardiola may be as daunting as following Ferguson at Old Trafford, and City’s continued stability under the Catalan has masked the scale of the transition likely to arrive when he walks.

There remains curiosity over whether City could pursue a manager with clear stylistic continuity, such as a possession-first coach already embedded in elite European structures or pivot to a more pragmatic figure intent on maintaining domestic dominance at all costs.

The club have kept a close eye on Vincent Kompany’s development at Bayern Munich, though the Belgian currently remains deeply committed to his project in Germany. What comes next will likely depend on Pep Guardiola’s own decision-making over the next 24 months, as well as which elite coaches emerge as viable candidates by 2027.