Credit: Imago

Harri Burton

Sun 31 May 2026 7:00, UK

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Pep Guardiola returning as Manchester City manager should not be completely ruled out despite his emotional exit this summer.

That is according to former Manchester City financial adviser Stefan Borson, who exclusively told Football Insider that the Catalan’s return wouldn’t “shock” him due to the bond he forged over the last decade.

Enzo Maresca appears set to replace the trophy-laden manager at the Etihad Stadium ahead of the 2026-27 campaign, and it is likely to take a lot for the former Chelsea boss to win over the supporters.

Guardiola leaves Man City after an incredibly successful 10 years, lifting six Premier League titles and a Champions League trophy, and yet, a return later down the line cannot be totally ruled out.

Pep Guardiola return isn’t ‘impossible’ after decade at Man City

While the manager’s next step, after a well-earned break from football, is expected to be on the international stage, he will always have ties back to the Etihad. Home is where the heart is, and all that.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Borson still has hope that this isn’t the end of Guardiola’s fairytale story. Supporters will be feeling exactly the same after days of endless tears.

“Club football seems less likely, but it wouldn’t be a huge shock if he ended up in Italy or international football. I don’t think that would be an enormous surprise,” Borson said.

“And I also don’t think it’s impossible if he ended up, depending on how things pan out, back at Man City at some point. It wouldn’t shock me. I think he just needs a break.

“He’s also got his name on part of the stadium. The connection is deep. When he spent 10 years, let’s say, of a 25-year career at the club, his bond with Man City is definitely going to be strong.

“And also his bond with Manchester. 10 years in any city is a long time. I think it’s going to be a challenge, but likewise, I think it’s very clear that he’s just got a level of burnout and needs decompression time before taking something new.”

What are the odds on Guardiola’s next job?

It has already been predicted that Guardiola will head into international football after taking a break from managing, and the bookies would seem to think the same way.

One major bookmaker has the Italy national team as the favourite destination, pricing him at 9/4 after Gennaro Gattuso’s departure, with the England job next up at 5/2.

Brazil are up next, followed closely by the two former teams that he managed at, Barcelona and Bayern Munich, but it is likely to be a long time until any of those bets are settled.

Whatever happens, Man City supporters will continue to support the Catalan, and it will be interesting to see what adventure he chooses to embark on after resting well this summer.