2026 marks 10 years since Pep Guardiola arrived in Manchester – an eternity in modern football. His current contract runs until 2027, but there’s a distinct whiff of change in the air. The main reason is emotional burnout. The final decision is likely to be made this summer, so it’s worth thinking now about who could become the new boss at the Etihad Stadium. The most interesting candidates for the position of the Citizens’ new manager are in the 1xBet Indonesia digest.
Enzo Maresca
The main favorite, according to insiders, including Fabrizio Romano. While Maresca was still working at Chelsea, there were reports that Man City representatives were in talks with him. The coach has already worked in Guardiola’s team and knows the club’s inner workings perfectly. His appointment will allow Man City to avoid tactical shock, and his ability to win titles has been proven at Chelsea. The question is what powers the club is prepared to give the Italian. In London, he had a conflict with the management over excessive control over his work.
Gareth Southgate
Southgate’s name often comes up not only in 1xBet reviews. With the England national team, he proved that he knows how to manage superstars and cope with enormous media pressure. His candidacy seems controversial to fans accustomed to Guardiola’s attacking style, but who says Southgate will use the same tactics at the club as he did with the Three Lions? At the very least, he will have more time to build his own model of play.
Xabi Alonso
The Basque’s early departure from Real Madrid has hardly damaged his image. The situation at the royal club is too specific – too many superstars in the squad, Florentino Pérez’s incredible ambitions and no room for error. At Man City, they are more relaxed about potential failures – everyone understands the level of competition in the Premier League. Alonso is younger than Pep, has tremendous charisma and is capable of helping Haaland and his teammates reach new heights.
Roberto De Zerbi
The man whom Guardiola himself called one of the most influential coaches of the last decade. After his sudden departure from Marseille in February 2026, Roberto is available again. His style is controlled chaos: extremely short passes near your own goal, luring out the opposition’s press and lightning-fast vertical attacks. If Pep is order, De Zerbi is rock ‘n’ roll. His appointment will mean that Man City are ready to take risks.
Luis Enrique
In 2026, Luis Enrique is busy developing Paris Saint-Germain, but his philosophy of ball possession makes him an eternal candidate for Manchester City. He has experience of winning the Champions League and knows how to work with capricious stars. Enrique demands total commitment from his players and sticks rigidly to his 4-3-3 formation. His football is slightly more aggressive and straightforward than Guardiola’s, but the foundation is the same. It’s no coincidence that Luis Enrique was the first coach after Guardiola to lead Barcelona to victory in the Champions League. For the Citizens, this would be a transition to a tougher and more authoritarian management style. Perhaps this is exactly what the team needs to avoid slowing down after the departure of their long-time boss.
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