Manchester City line up Guardiola successors as doubts grow

February 3, 2026 Oliver Obel

For nearly a decade, Manchester City have operated with the expectation that Pep Guardiola would remain the defining figure at the club. That certainty has not disappeared, but recent performances have introduced questions that have rarely surfaced during his tenure.

Guardiola is under contract until the summer of 2027 and remains one of the most influential managers in European football. Even so, extended periods of dominance often prompt reflection before they reach a natural end, particularly when results begin to falter.

Results bring renewed focus

Sunday’s draw at Tottenham, after City had established a two-goal lead, further damaged the club’s title challenge and allowed Arsenal to tighten their grip at the top of the Premier League.

City have managed just one league victory in 2026, leaving them six points adrift. While there was a brief upturn in form before the New Year, recent matches have lacked the control and authority that once defined Guardiola’s side.

Those difficulties have sharpened discussion around whether the current cycle is beginning to lose momentum.

Guardiola’s position

Guardiola is approaching ten years at the Etihad Stadium and has delivered six Premier League titles, making him the most successful manager in the club’s history.

Despite having time remaining on his contract, several figures across the game believe City are quietly preparing for different outcomes. Such planning is viewed internally as precautionary rather than reactive, reflecting how elite clubs manage long-term stability.

Director of football Hugo Viana, who succeeded Txiki Begiristain, would lead any succession process, with Guardiola himself expected to contribute to discussions.

Candidates under consideration

Matt Law of The Telegraph has reported that Xabi Alonso is among the names being discussed following his departure from Real Madrid. Alonso previously played under Guardiola during his time at Bayern Munich.

Journalist Duncan Castles has said Alonso was “sounded out” before leaving Madrid and is regarded by some as a leading candidate, though Liverpool are also monitoring his situation amid pressure on Arne Slot.

Enzo Maresca is another figure with strong ties to City. The Italian previously served as Guardiola’s assistant and was dismissed by Chelsea earlier this season after informing the club of conversations with City representatives.

Familiar figures and unlikely returns

Former City midfielder Cesc Fabregas has also been linked after an impressive spell at Como, where he has guided the Serie A side into the top six.

Supporters continue to speculate about a possible return for Vincent Kompany, but that scenario appears remote. Kompany is thriving at Bayern Munich and remains under contract until 2029, where he is already involved in longer-term planning.

Immediate focus remains

While longer-term considerations sit in the background, City’s attention returns to competition. They host Newcastle in the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final before travelling to Liverpool for a pivotal Premier League fixture.

How Guardiola’s tenure ultimately concludes may still be years away, but the decisions taken during this period are likely to shape City’s next chapter well before any formal change arrives.

Sources: The Telegraph, reporting by Duncan Castles