Pep Guardiola’s surprise Man City exit plan revealed as Etihad whispers emerge
Pep Guardiola will take a step away from football rather than joining a new club should he opt to depart Man City at the end of his contract.
That is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that the Spaniard has yet to make a decision about his long-term future.
Guardiola‘s contract is set to expire in 2027, leading to ongoing suggestions that he could walk away from the Etihad after over a decade as the Man City manager.
However, his departure would not be to pursue a new challenge elsewhere, but to get away from the constant stress and trials of managing a top-tier side.
The boss has been backed to make a similar decision to when Jurgen Klopp left Liverpool, despite suggestions the German could be lured back into management.
Pep Guardiola makes new Man City exit plan
Former City financial adviser Stefan Borson told Football Insider on 22 December that there is uncertainty about Guardiola’s future at the Etihad, with no clear decision made.
Brown, who has a wealth of experience working closely alongside elite-level managers, including Sir Alex Ferguson, for over a decade at Man United, insisted that while no decision has been made yet, Guardiola could walk away from management entirely.
“If Pep does leave City, it’s not something he will have decided yet,” he told Football Insider.
“We’ve heard the whispers about his future before, there was a lot of talk about him leaving last season, but obviously, he ended up staying.
“There was even talk that he could have been sacked last season when they had that poor run, people were questioning whether he was done with it.
“One thing is for sure, if he does decide to leave City, it’s because he’s stepping away from football.
“I can’t see him going to another club, definitely not immediately; he’ll want to take a break and move away from the stress of it all.
“That’s the only reason I can see him leaving, if he wants to get away from it all, similar to what we saw with Klopp when he decided to leave Liverpool.”
Man City consider potential Guardiola replacement
Football Insider revealed in November that Man City are working to identify Guardiola’s replacement for when his deal expires in 2027.
Former Brighton boss Roberto de Zerbi is believed to be on their list of targets, and Chelsea’s Enzo Maresca has emerged as one of the leading contenders for the role.
The Chelsea boss has enjoyed a successful tenure at Stamford Bridge, winning the Club World Cup and Conference League, but has cast doubt over his position.
Brown told Football Insider that Maresca’s comments raised concerns about his Chelsea role, with the club unlikely to have been pleased.
Football Insider revealed on 15 December that Chelsea have no doubts about Maresca’s future despite his comments, and hope to continue to back him.
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