Revealed: Three former Premier League stars previously considered by Manchester City as Pep Guardiola successors | OneFootball

Manchester City have considered a number of former Premier League players as potential Pep Guardiola successors throughout the Catalan’s time at the club, it has been detailed.

Succession planning at the Etihad Stadium has increasingly come into focus in recent weeks amid renewed speculation surrounding Guardiola’s long-term future, despite the 54-year-old remaining under contract until the summer of 2027.

With Hugo Viana now installed as sporting director following Txiki Begiristain’s departure in the summer, Manchester City’s long-term managerial strategy has become a regular point of discussion.

As previously reported, City favour continuity in philosophy rather than a radical tactical reset once Pep Guardiola eventually departs. That preference has seen the club repeatedly linked with former players and staff who have either worked directly under Guardiola or have demonstrated a similar positional and possession-based approach elsewhere.

Names such as Vincent Kompany and Enzo Maresca have dominated more recent speculation, but historical reporting indicates that Manchester City’s interest in former Premier League figures dates back much earlier in Pep Guardiola’s tenure.

According to a wider-ranging report from The Athletic’s Oliver Kay, at one time early in Guardiola’s City career, legendary midfielder Patrick Vieira – who was coaching City Football Group’s New York City – was regarded internally as a prime candidate to succeed him.

Mikel Arteta was also a name viewed as a candidate having acted as Guardiola’s Manchester City assistant for several seasons before taking the Arsenal job in December 2019, as well as former club captain Vincent Kompany – now in charge of Bayern Munich.

As reported in other articles, the piece points towards strong indications that Manchester City’s hierarchy will place Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca ‘high among their list of candidates’ should Pep Guardiola step aside.

The report underlines how City’s succession thinking has evolved alongside the club’s own growth. Patrick Vieira’s candidacy reflected City Football Group’s early desire to promote from within its global network, while Mikel Arteta’s rise has since validated that internal pathway following his success at Arsenal.

Vincent Kompany, meanwhile, continues to feature prominently in ongoing speculation given his iconic status at the club and rapid managerial progression, now culminating in his role at Bayern Munich. As previously reported, Manchester City remain attentive to his development, although any move would depend heavily on timing.

Looking ahead, much will hinge on Pep Guardiola’s own decision-making. While there is no indication of an imminent departure, City’s hierarchy appear determined to remain prepared, with Maresca, Kompany and other Guardiola-aligned coaches forming part of an increasingly defined shortlist.

But until clarity emerges on Pep Guardiola’s future, however, Manchester City’s focus remains firmly on continuity, stability, and long-term strategic control of the transition process.