Report: Man City draw up three-man shortlist of potential Pep Guardiola replacements | OneFootball

Guardiola succession planning gathers momentum at Manchester City

Growing discussion around Manchester City and life after Pep Guardiola has moved firmly into the open, with The Telegraph reporting that Xabi Alonso is expected to feature on a three man shortlist to succeed the Catalan. Despite public denials from City sources, there is an unmistakable sense across Premier League circles that contingency planning has begun.

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City’s recent wobble has sharpened the focus. A damaging draw at Tottenham, having led by two goals, left them six points adrift of Arsenal and fuelled questions about whether Guardiola’s era is reaching its natural conclusion. Rivals sense vulnerability, while internally there is acknowledgement that even dynasties require succession.

Contract clarity meets lingering doubt

Guardiola’s position remains officially secure. City announced in November 2024 that he had signed a two year extension through to 2027, a statement designed to quell speculation. Yet football operates as much on mood as on paperwork. Guardiola’s absence from media duties following a return to Barcelona for a speech supporting Palestinian children added to the sense of distance during a pivotal week.

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City have dismissed talk of his departure as “pure speculation”, but speculation has rarely travelled this far without oxygen. One source quoted by Telegraph Sport offered a telling observation: “Tottenham were there for the taking, but City weren’t ruthless. They let them off the hook. Some of the players look like they think Pep is leaving at the end of the season and, as a result, they are going through the motions.”

Alonso and familiar contenders

Alonso, recently dismissed by Real Madrid, is viewed as a coach of stature and composure, capable of handling elite environments. His association with Liverpool adds edge to the narrative, particularly with Arne Slot under pressure to deliver Champions League qualification. City already moved ahead of Liverpool for Marc Guéhi and Antoine Semenyo, and repeating that trick for Alonso would sting.

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Enzo Maresca, once Guardiola’s assistant, is also expected to be considered. Recently dismissed by Chelsea, Maresca had informed Chelsea of talks with City and Juventus. His candidacy is complicated by timing and competition, but familiarity counts.

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Another name gaining traction is Cesc Fabregas, admired for his work at Como, who sit sixth in Serie A. Fabregas is expected to leave only for an elite role, and City would qualify.

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Wider field narrows

Former City captain Vincent Kompany is not expected to leave Bayern Munich, having extended his deal to 2029 and embedded himself in transfer planning. Roberto De Zerbi, previously admired, faces uncertainty at Marseille after Champions League disappointment.

Responsibility for shaping the shortlist will fall to Hugo Viana, City’s director of football, whose relationship with super agent Jorge Mendes brings additional intrigue. Guardiola himself may yet be consulted, an echo of the club’s preference for continuity and control.

For now, nothing is decided. But elite clubs plan before they are forced to act. City are doing precisely that.

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There is pride in what Guardiola has built and anxiety at the thought of losing the defining figure of the modern club. Six league titles, relentless standards and a global identity do not vanish cleanly.

At the same time, succession planning feels sensible rather than disloyal. Fans understand that even Guardiola will not stay forever, and the idea that City are calmly mapping the future is reassuring. Alonso appeals as a thinker and a leader, someone who respects structure and intelligence, values City supporters recognise. Maresca offers continuity, Fabregas imagination.

What would concern fans more is drift. The quote about players “going through the motions” resonates because City have always thrived on intensity and clarity. If Guardiola is staying, supporters want renewed conviction. If he is going, then decisive planning matters.

Ultimately, City fans trust the hierarchy. The club has earned belief that transitions will be managed with foresight rather than panic, and that whoever follows Guardiola will inherit a platform built to keep winning.