Big-name manager’s odds slashed on replacing Pep Guardiola at Man City
Pep Guardiola looks set to finally call time on his Man City tenure in the summer a decade after it began.
Man City will hope to see Guardiola decide to stay for one more season, but it is looking likelier and likelier that the 55-year-old will announce his departure.
The Spaniard has won everything available during his 10 years at the Etihad Stadium, and will have his pick of clubs across Europe if he does make himself available.
There have even been rumours that Guardiola could leave Man City before the season ends, although he will be keen to finish on a high.
Man City trail Arsenal in the Premier League, but they remain in contention for four different competitions and could still finish with a flourish.
Vincent Kompany emerges among Man City favourites
Football Insider revealed this week that Vincent Kompany is Man City’s first choice to replace Guardiola this summer.
The former Citizen has created a formidable team at Bayern Munich, who, in January, lost just their second game of the season across all competitions.
The Bundesliga champions are well on track to go back-to-back under Kompany, and they were among the favourites to win the Champions League as well, having finished second in the league phase.
| Vincent Kompany | Bayern Munich |
| Wins | 65 |
| Draws | 12 |
| Losses | 11 |
| Scored | 262 |
| Conceded | 89 |
Many were stunned when Bayern appointed the Belgian in 2024, plucking him from Burnley after he had just led his team to relegation.
The Clarets had collected just 24 points in the league, and went back down to the Championship with a whimper.
Perhaps it said everything about Kompany that Burnley had decided against dismissing the manager, instead attempting to convince him to stay for another season in the Championship.
Following the rumours that Guardiola may well leave Man City this summer, Kompany’s odds of taking over have been slashed to 4/1 by one major bookmaker.
Luis Enrique leads the way at 2/1, while Enzo Maresca (5/2) and Xabi Alonso (3/1) are also expected to be among the front-runners.
What Pep Guardiola said about Vincent Kompany
It has always felt likely that Kompany would manage Man City one day.
As a player, he made 360 appearances for the Citizens and was key to four Premier League wins in his 11 years at the Etihad Stadium.
Speaking in 2023, Guardiola said: “Vincent Kompany will be Man City manager one day, I think it’s written in the stars, it’s gonna happen.
“I said that sooner or later he will be manager here. When, I don’t know. It’s my feeling. I have not spoken to him but he knows the club. The destiny is there.”
That time could be set to arrive this summer, although it remains a scenario that relies on several decisions.