Manchester City are facing a future where Pep Guardiola’s long and successful reign could finally be nearing its end. In this article, we explore who might step into the Etihad Stadium dugout after Guardiola, examining the current situation at City and the leading candidates tipped to become the next Man City manager. Bookmakers have already released odds for Guardiola’s potential successor, and several high-profile names – as well as a few surprises – are in the frame. Below we break down the context around Guardiola’s tenure, the reasons his departure is a talking point, and the contenders for the City job, complete with the latest odds.
Current Man City Manager – Pep Guardiola’s Tenure and Club Situation
Pep Guardiola has been at the Manchester City helm since 2016, when he was appointed amid great fanfare. Over nearly a decade in charge, the Catalan coach has won every major trophy with City – including multiple Premier League titles, FA Cups, League Cups, and finally the UEFA Champions League in 2023 – making him the most successful manager in the club’s history. His spell in Manchester has seen City dominate English football, even achieving an unprecedented domestic treble in 2019 and a continental treble in 2023.
However, the 2024-25 season proved to be one of the most challenging of Guardiola’s City career. The team’s Premier League title defense faltered badly with a mid-season collapse; City lost six out of eight league games between November and December 2024, a shocking dip in form that effectively knocked them out of the title race by Christmas. For a time, the Citizens even risked missing out on Champions League qualification, a previously unthinkable scenario. In the end, City rallied to finish third in the league on 71 points – 20 points fewer than the prior season and the club’s worst showing under Guardiola. Though third place spared some blushes, it was still a trophyless campaign (their first since 2016-17) and marked the end of City’s recent dominance in English football.
This disappointing season has naturally put a spotlight on Guardiola’s position. Notably, Guardiola himself has tried to frame the adversity in a positive light. In a candid interview, he rejected the notion that 2024-25 was a “disastrous” season, arguing that fighting to finish third and never giving up might actually be more valuable than certain title-winning seasons. “Maybe finishing third in a season and never giving up… maybe that’s a better season than when we won the fourth Premier League in a row,” Guardiola reflected. This perspective underscores Guardiola’s deep commitment to the club’s long-term health and his relentless drive to improve, even in tough times.
Off the pitch, Manchester City were also dealing with uncertainty. The club has been charged with 115 alleged breaches of Premier League financial rules, a case still under investigation. While City vehemently deny wrongdoing, the process casts a shadow. Guardiola has stood by the club through this period, publicly defending City’s integrity. In late 2024, amid the team’s struggles and the backdrop of these charges, Guardiola extended his contract for two more years. His previous deal was set to expire in 2025, and he admits he had contemplated stepping away next summer. But a four-game losing streak – City’s worst run since 2006 – and the feeling that the club “still wanted” him convinced Pep that “now is not the time to leave”. “I felt I would let the club down [by leaving now]. That’s why I am so happy to be staying for another two seasons,” Guardiola said in November 2024. The new deal keeps him under contract at City until 2027, which would take him beyond a decade in charge – a remarkable tenure considering Guardiola has never stayed this long at any club before.
It’s clear that for the moment Guardiola remains fully committed to Manchester City. The club, which only two years ago achieved the ultimate prize of a Champions League triumph, is now looking to regroup and reclaim its spot at the pinnacle of English football. Entering the 2025-26 season, there is a sense of renewed determination around the Etihad. Guardiola will lead the team into the new campaign, but the very fact that he considered leaving and had to be persuaded to stay has fueled speculation that the end of his City chapter may be on the horizon. City’s hierarchy and supporters alike are beginning to ponder the unthinkable: life after Pep.
Source: Man City
Reasons for Guardiola’s Potential Departure
Even with Pep Guardiola contracted through 2027, questions linger about how long he will remain in the City dugout. In terms of job security, Guardiola’s position is extremely strong – he is not under immediate threat of being sacked, nor would anyone expect him to be, given his track record and status. Indeed, bookmakers do not list him among the favorites to be the next Premier League manager sacked. The club’s ownership also continues to back Guardiola unreservedly. However, a few factors suggest that Guardiola’s tenure could still come to a natural end in the not-too-distant future.
Firstly, the outcome of the Premier League’s financial investigation looms large. A verdict on City’s alleged rule breaches is expected sometime in 2025. Potential penalties (if City are found guilty) range from fines and points deductions to, in the worst case, relegation from the Premier League. Such an outcome is considered unlikely, but it cannot be ruled out entirely. Guardiola’s future is undoubtedly tied to this – it is hard to imagine him staying if City were to be booted out of the Premier League. Even a significant points deduction or a ban from European competition could test his resolve. Notably, Guardiola’s new contract does not include any break clause related to the investigation’s result, signaling his commitment despite the uncertainty. But privately, one suspects that a severe punishment would make him rethink. In short, the cloud of the 115 charges is one reason talk of Guardiola’s eventual exit has intensified.
Secondly, there is the natural cycle of Guardiola’s career to consider. By 2025, Pep has been at City for nine years – far longer than his four-year stint at Barcelona and three-year stay at Bayern Munich. Guardiola is known for his intense, demanding style, which can take a toll on both himself and his players over such a long period. He even acknowledged, before signing the extension, that “I thought this should be the last one,” referring to the 2024-25 season. The fact he seriously pondered leaving suggests he is keenly aware that his era at City is closer to its conclusion than its beginning. “The reality is I am closer to leaving Manchester City than staying,” Guardiola admitted when discussing his future with his contract initially due to expire in 2025. While the two-year extension has delayed the goodbye, it may only be postponing the inevitable endpoint of his cycle at City. Guardiola has achieved virtually everything possible with the club – including that coveted Champions League title. At some stage, he may simply feel the need for a new challenge or even a sabbatical from the pressures of club management.
Another aspect affecting how long Guardiola can hold on is the team’s performance going forward. A poor 2024-25 was tolerated as an anomaly after so much success, and Guardiola earned the right to a “reset” season. But if City were to underperform again, or if signs emerge that the players are no longer responding to his methods, pressure could mount. By Guardiola’s own high standards, “this season has been bad,” he said in April 2025, emphasizing that failing to win the Premier League is what truly stings. City finished a distant 18 points behind champions Liverpool, and Guardiola admitted the campaign “brought an end” to the feeling of dominance. If such disappointment were to repeat, even he might decide the club needs a fresh direction. Conversely, a return to trophy-winning form could see Guardiola depart on a high note, choosing to go out at the top. In either scenario, the timing of his exit could come down to when he (and the club) feel it’s the right time to hand over the reins.
Lastly, there are external ambitions to consider. Guardiola has occasionally been linked with national team jobs (such as coaching Spain or even England) and has spoken of an eventual desire to test himself internationally. He’s also been linked in speculation to other elite clubs (for instance, some bookmakers give odds on him one day managing Barcelona again or taking another top European post). While Pep has given no concrete indication he’ll pursue those opportunities imminently, the allure of a new project could play into his decision if he feels his chapter at City is fully written.
In summary, Guardiola’s position at Manchester City remains strong and, in the short term, secure. Yet the combination of an ongoing legal saga, the sheer length of his tenure, hints of personal contemplation about his future, and the natural rise and fall of team performance means that City must be prepared for the possibility of Guardiola’s departure. Whether it happens in 2026, 2027, or sooner due to unforeseen events, planning for the next era is well underway. That brings us to the big question: Who will be the next Manchester City manager?
Who Will Be the Next Man City Manager?
Whenever Pep Guardiola does eventually part ways with Manchester City, the club will face the monumental task of finding a worthy successor. Replacing a manager of Guardiola’s caliber – a visionary who transformed City into a European powerhouse – will not be easy. Nonetheless, City’s board and football directors will likely have a shortlist of candidates in mind, and the rumor mill is already churning with names of potential heirs. Bookmakers have even started a “Next Man City Manager” market, offering odds on various contenders. While the list of candidates is long and the odds are close – suggesting even the bookmakers are uncertain who City will choose – a few front-runners have emerged in the conversation.
Topping many betting lists is a somewhat surprising name: Miguel Ángel “Míchel” (not to be confused with the 1980s Real Madrid legend of the same name). Míchel is the current head coach of Girona FC in Spain – a club that happens to be part of the City Football Group network. Under his guidance, Girona have punched well above their weight; they spent much of the 2023-24 season near the top of La Liga and ultimately qualified for the Champions League, an extraordinary achievement for a smaller club. Míchel’s success earned him La Liga Coach of the Year, and his attacking, possession-based philosophy has drawn admiration across Europe. Crucially, being within City’s wider ownership umbrella means Míchel is a known quantity to the City hierarchy – there’s a built-in familiarity and shared footballing ethos. It’s easy to see why he’s considered a leading contender to succeed Guardiola, with some betting sites installing him as the favorite at very short odds.
Another name high on the odds list is Andoni Iraola, a rising star in management from Spain’s Basque Country. Iraola made his name at Rayo Vallecano, where he took a modest squad and achieved impressive results in La Liga with an energetic, high-pressing style. He even earned Rayo a mid-table finish and memorable wins against bigger sides, enhancing his reputation as one of the brightest young coaches in Spain. In 2023, Iraola had a brief spell in England with AFC Bournemouth. While that tenure was short-lived, it gave him a taste of Premier League football and the English game. At 43, he represents a new generation of coaches with modern ideas – the kind of profile City might target to carry on Guardiola’s approach. Some reports also linked Iraola to other Premier League jobs (Tottenham reportedly showed interest in him before) due to his work at Rayo. His presence near the top of the odds suggests that insiders see him as a viable candidate, even if he’s less of a household name internationally.
Of course, there are plenty of big-name contenders as well. City legend Vincent Kompany has long been touted as a future Manchester City manager and is beloved by the fans. The former City captain went into coaching in 2019 and, after a successful spell at Anderlecht, took Burnley from the Championship back to the Premier League. In 2024, Bayern Munich hired Kompany as their head coach, a bold move that demonstrates how highly rated he is in top circles. Kompany’s teams favor possession football – clearly influenced by his time under Guardiola – though at Burnley his side had defensive frailties during their Premier League campaign. He’s now gaining invaluable experience at an elite club (Bayern), which could be grooming him for an eventual return to Manchester. Given Kompany’s emotional connection to City and understanding of the club’s culture, he will certainly be on the shortlist when the time comes.
Then there’s Xabi Alonso, another name that has generated buzz. Alonso, a World Cup-winning former midfielder, had an outstanding start to his coaching career with Bayer Leverkusen. He led Leverkusen to a Bundesliga title in 2024 (ending Bayern’s streak) and a domestic cup, making him one of Europe’s hottest managerial prospects. Big clubs were circling around him – and indeed, in the summer of 2025 Alonso agreed to take over at Real Madrid. That move likely takes him off City’s immediate list, but had Alonso not gone to Madrid, he would have been a prime candidate given his tactical acumen and Premier League experience as a player. It’s not impossible he could manage City in the longer-term future.
We should also mention Mikel Arteta, Guardiola’s former assistant at City and now the highly regarded manager of Arsenal. Arteta knows City inside-out from his time on Pep’s staff, and he has proven himself by turning Arsenal into title contenders. Some reports out of Spain have even claimed that Manchester City’s executives identified Arteta as a preferred successor to Guardiola in the past. However, prying Arteta away from Arsenal – where he is building his own legacy – would be difficult. It’s rare for a manager to move directly between two top Premier League rivals, and Arsenal would fight hard to keep him. Nonetheless, his name will persist in the conversation due to his City links and stylistic similarities.
Roberto De Zerbi is another intriguing option. The Italian coach, who made a name at Sassuolo and Shakhtar Donetsk, took over at Brighton & Hove Albion in 2022 and earned rave reviews for Brighton’s attractive, high-intensity attacking play. Guardiola himself was so impressed that after one match, he reportedly interrupted a chat between Brighton players to quip, “That’s the next Man City manager.”. De Zerbi’s stock has only risen since – he left Brighton to manage Marseille in 2024, continuing to showcase his philosophy in France. Given Pep’s admiration and De Zerbi’s ability to implement a Guardiola-esque style, he’s very much a contender. Bookmakers reflect this, listing him among those with reasonably short odds to take over at City.
Finally, there are the superstar veteran coaches floating on the periphery of the odds list. Zinedine Zidane, for example, is a three-time Champions League-winning manager and currently out of work. His name always comes up for big jobs. While Zidane has so far only managed Real Madrid (twice) and is often linked with the France national team, one can’t entirely rule out a scenario where City’s owners consider a marquee appointment like him. Other long-shot names include Atlético Madrid’s long-serving boss Diego Simeone, former Spain and Barcelona coach Luis Enrique (now at PSG, but a Barca icon like Pep), ex-Bayern prodigy Julian Nagelsmann (currently coaching Germany’s national side), and even City’s own ex-midfield general Patrick Vieira. All of these are judged to be outside chances (with much longer odds) at this stage. The tight clustering of so many names in the betting market illustrates that there is no single obvious successor – the field is open.
Below is a table of the most talked-about candidates and their latest odds (decimal) to become the next permanent Manchester City manager after Pep Guardiola:
| Candidate | Odds (Dec) |
| Miguel “Míchel” (Girona coach) | 4.0 |
| Andoni Iraola (ex-Bournemouth, Rayo) | 4.5 |
| Zinedine Zidane | 21.0 |
| Vincent Kompany | 21.0 |
| Roberto De Zerbi | 21.0 |
| Mikel Arteta | 21.0 |
| Julian Nagelsmann | 21.0 |
| Xabi Alonso | 26.0 |
| Xavi Hernández | 26.0 |
| Thiago Motta | 26.0 |
As shown, Míchel and Iraola are currently front-runners according to the betting odds, with a big gap before the rest of the pack who are all roughly 20/1 or longer. Now, let’s take a closer look at a few of these potential Guardiola successors and why they are in contention.
Míchel – The Leading Contender for the City Job
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Míchel has emerged as perhaps the prime candidate to take over at Manchester City, should Guardiola depart. The 47-year-old Spaniard is the head coach of Girona FC, and his credentials have skyrocketed over the past two seasons. Under Míchel’s guidance, Girona went from a relegation battle to European qualification, finishing the 2023-24 campaign in the top four of La Liga. At one point, they even sat atop the table for several weeks – a remarkable feat for a club of Girona’s stature. This overachievement earned Míchel the La Liga Coach of the Year award and, more importantly, the attention of big clubs across Europe.
What makes Míchel particularly attractive to Manchester City is his connection to the City Football Group. Girona is part-owned by CFG, which means Míchel is effectively already in the City family. He has worked with players on loan from Man City and implemented a style of play that aligns with the Guardiola school of thought: quick passing, fluid attack, and tactical flexibility. Being “a part of the City Football Group means tabs are sure to be kept on Míchel,” as noted in one analysis. Indeed, City’s brass have been monitoring his progress closely. Pep Guardiola himself has a friendly relationship with Girona (City often play preseason friendlies with them, and Pep’s brother even had a stint as Girona’s president), so one can imagine Guardiola would give Míchel a strong recommendation.
Stylistically, Míchel favors an attacking 4-3-3 and has shown an ability to improve players – hallmarks that City’s owners will appreciate. He also demonstrated composure under pressure; as Girona climbed the table, speculation mounted that bigger Spanish clubs might poach him, yet Míchel kept his team focused and achieved their goals. If City want continuity after Guardiola, bringing in someone who already understands the club’s ethos and infrastructure makes a lot of sense. The short odds (around 4.0) on Míchel reflect a growing consensus that he is the heir apparent.
Of course, questions remain about his experience at the very highest level. Managing Girona, with all due respect, is not the same as handling a dressing room full of superstars and competing for the Champions League each year. But we have seen coaches make similar jumps successfully – for instance, when Barcelona promoted Pep Guardiola from their B team, or when RB Leipzig’s Julian Nagelsmann got the Bayern job. City may view Míchel as a manager with the tactical acumen and club DNA fit to make a similar leap. Crucially, his familiarity with City’s network could ease the transition. Don’t be surprised if Míchel is high on City’s shortlist – he’s arguably the leading contender as of now.
Andoni Iraola – Contender No. 2
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Right behind Míchel in the odds is Andoni Iraola, another Spanish coach who could be in line for the City job. Iraola’s profile is different – he’s a bit younger (early 40s) and doesn’t have the direct City Football Group connection, but he’s highly regarded for his work at Rayo Vallecano. Under Iraola, Rayo became one of La Liga’s most exciting underdog teams. He took a newly promoted side in 2021 and not only comfortably avoided relegation but even challenged for European places at times. Rayo under Iraola were known for their aggressive pressing and quick transitions, reflecting the influence of Marcelo Bielsa (Iraola’s mentor during his playing days at Athletic Bilbao).
Iraola’s success at Rayo earned him admirers in England. In mid-2023, Bournemouth hired him as their head coach, seeing him as the man to implement an attractive style on the south coast. Unfortunately, that move didn’t pan out as hoped – Bournemouth struggled in the early part of the 2023-24 season, and Iraola was dismissed after a few months in charge. Despite that setback, his reputation wasn’t completely tarnished. Many observers felt he wasn’t given enough time to adjust to the Premier League. And notably, Tottenham Hotspur had also been considering Iraola for their manager role before eventually choosing another candidate, indicating that his name was on the shortlists of multiple clubs.
Why would Manchester City look at Iraola? For one, his tactical philosophy has parallels with Guardiola’s high-pressing game. Iraola likes his teams to play out from the back, press fiercely without the ball, and attack with width and numbers – all principles that would suit City’s existing squad. He’s also Spanish, which culturally aligns with City’s recent coaching trend (Guardiola and before him Manuel Pellegrini, though Chilean, was steeped in Spanish football). City may view Iraola as a coach with significant upside who could thrive with the resources and talent available at the Etihad. Having a taste of Premier League experience, albeit brief, might actually be a plus; he’s had a glimpse of the league’s intensity and would be better prepared the second time around.
Critics will point out Iraola’s relative lack of silverware or experience at a big club. That is a fair concern – he would be a bold choice for a club of City’s stature. In that sense, appointing Iraola would resemble City’s rival Manchester United hiring David Moyes after Sir Alex Ferguson: a bet on a talented but unproven manager to step into giant shoes. Whether City are willing to take that kind of gamble is unclear. Still, the odds (around 4.5) suggest Iraola is firmly in the conversation. If City’s decision-makers are convinced by his ideas and interview (when the time comes), Iraola could indeed become a dark-horse pick for the job. It would certainly be a fascinating appointment, signalling a commitment to continuity in playing style and a belief in the new wave of Spanish coaches.
Vincent Kompany – Club Legend Turned Budding Mastermind
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No list of potential Man City managers would be complete without Vincent Kompany, the iconic former City captain who many fans dream will one day return as manager. Kompany lifted four Premier League titles with City as a commanding center-back and leader, and he’s widely revered at the club. Now, he is making a name for himself in management. Kompany began his coaching career at Anderlecht in Belgium, where he implemented an attractive, possession-based style and nurtured young talent. In 2022, he took the reins at Burnley and achieved immediate success – winning the Championship in 2023 with over 100 points to earn promotion to the Premier League. His Burnley side played an unexpectedly slick brand of football, drawing comparisons to, yes, Pep Guardiola’s influence.
The Premier League proved tougher for Burnley; under Kompany, they struggled and ultimately were relegated after just one season (2023-24). Yet, interestingly, that did not significantly tarnish Kompany’s star. His reputation as a forward-thinking coach and his innate leadership qualities kept big clubs interested. In May 2024, Bayern Munich — one of Europe’s elite — hired Kompany as head coach, agreeing a compensation deal with Burnley. Bayern’s decision to entrust Kompany with such a massive job speaks volumes about his promise. It also means Kompany is currently gaining invaluable top-level experience: in the 2024-25 season, he led Bayern in the Bundesliga and Champions League, learning how to manage world-class players and high expectations. Early signs were positive, with Bayern reclaiming the German title under his guidance (after losing it the year before).
For Manchester City, Kompany checks many boxes. He understands the club’s culture and standards intimately. He has a personal aura and authority that would command respect from players and fans alike – crucial when succeeding a figure like Guardiola. Tactically, Kompany has expressed that he “loves having the ball, being creative… and courageous” on the pitch, aligning with City’s identity. Perhaps most importantly, there’s a strong emotional pull: City supporters would warmly welcome a legend coming home, and the narrative of Kompany carrying on Pep’s work would generate positivity and patience.
There are, however, practical considerations. Kompany is under contract at Bayern Munich until 2027; prising him away would likely require a significant effort (and possibly compensation) unless the timing aligns with an available window. City would also want to be sure that Kompany’s relatively short managerial resume is sufficient for one of the most demanding jobs in football. By the time Guardiola leaves, though, Kompany might have a couple of seasons at Bayern under his belt – enough to assess his readiness. He himself has remained coy about the idea of managing City, focusing on his task in Munich. But he hasn’t hidden his affection for City, and one suspects he’d find it hard to say no if the club he calls “home” came calling.
In betting terms, Kompany’s odds (hovering around 20/1) reflect that he’s not the favorite right now, but very much a credible contender. Many pundits believe that one day, Vincent Kompany will manage Manchester City – it’s more a matter of when than if. If Guardiola’s exit coincides with Kompany being available and thriving as a coach, that “when” could well be sooner rather than later.
Current Club Situation and Expectations for the New Man City Manager
Manchester City’s current situation is one of high ambitions tempered by recent disappointments. After a season without trophies in 2024-25, the club is determined to bounce back. The squad remains packed with world-class talent, from Erling Haaland to emerging stars, and significant investment in new signings is likely as City reload for another title charge. The expectation at City is clear: challenge on all fronts, every season. The next manager, whenever appointed, will be expected to immediately keep City at the top of English football and competing for the Champions League. In practical terms, that means winning the Premier League (or going very close) and sustaining deep runs in Europe. The bar has been set extraordinarily high by Guardiola’s achievements, and the club’s hierarchy will not settle for a lengthy transitional period or lowering of standards.
City’s hierarchy also values a certain style of play and development of players. The incoming manager will be expected to maintain the club’s attacking philosophy and continue the integration of talent from the club’s academy and global network. Given the structure Guardiola and Txiki Begiristain (the outgoing Director of Football) have built, the new boss will inherit a team and backroom designed to play “the City way.” This should help ensure continuity. But it also means the pressure is on to produce attractive, winning football in equal measure.
In addition, the new manager will face the psychological task of succeeding a legend. Guardiola’s shoes are incredibly large to fill – he won 15 major trophies with City and raised the club’s stature to new heights. Fans and players may need time to adjust to a different voice and approach. The club will likely preach patience publicly, but privately they will demand quick results. Anything less than a serious title push would be seen as underachievement. At the same time, City’s recent stumble (finishing third last year) could work in a new manager’s favor: the only way is up from a “disappointing” season, and there’s hunger within the squad to prove that was just a blip. As Guardiola noted, the team needs “energy to lift the team again” and restore the winning vibe.
All told, the stage is set for a high-pressure yet highly coveted role. Manchester City in 2025 remain a juggernaut in resources and talent, even if they hit a bump in the road. Any manager stepping in will have the tools to succeed – but also the expectation that they must deliver silverware swiftly. The club’s situation is one of ambitious rebuild: reclaim the Premier League crown, defend the Champions League title they won in 2023, and continue the dynasty. That is the challenge awaiting the next City manager.
Tips.GG Expert Opinions and Predictions
So who will be the next permanent manager of Manchester City? Based on the current information and odds, our Tips.GG football experts lean towards Míchel as the most likely successor when Guardiola eventually departs. His rise at Girona and close ties to the City Football Group make him a compelling choice – he fits the club’s philosophy and has momentum behind his name. Don’t count out Vincent Kompany either; if City prioritise a strong connection with the club and proven leadership, the legendary captain could get the nod. In any case, as long as Pep Guardiola remains at the helm and winning, this succession may be on hold. But the club is clearly doing its homework.
Our prediction: when the Guardiola era finally closes, Míchel stands out as the frontrunner to take the reins at Manchester City, ushering in a new chapter at the Etihad. Only time will tell which contender ultimately gets the call, but City’s next manager will have a high bar to clear – and, if chosen wisely, a golden opportunity to write the next success story for the Sky Blues.