The future of Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola may determine the future of other managers in the game. The Spanish manager has a contract with the English giants until the summer of 2025 and there has been no indication yet of a possible extension, with Guardiola speaking on the matter recently, saying he is “closer to leaving than staying” next year. But what impact might this have on some managers initially? The city’s job will be a coveted one, one that many promising managers will want to smell. Here are some things to watch out for:
Roberto de Zerbi
Let’s start with De Zerbi, who will likely not be coaching during the 2024-25 season unless something surprising happens in the coming weeks. The former Brighton coach has parted ways with the England team and is now looking for a new job. While clubs interested in him, including Bayern Munich and Liverpool, chose other managers, Chelsea decided to appoint Enzo Maresca despite his links with De Zervi. That is why he will have to wait and see what happens during the season or potentially wait for a place at City. Guardiola always had kind words to say about De Zerbi, saying: “I think I respect him for the fact that it doesn’t matter what team he plays for. He has proven that you don’t necessarily have to be at a top club or with great players. “he said. “Let your team play the way you like.” Ringing approval.
Michelle
The current Girona coach is also someone to watch out for. After qualifying for the Champions League next season, Michel decided to stay at the club for a further season despite varying interest from many European clubs. Moreover, Girona is a club very close to Manchester City, as it is part of the City Football Group and is already working with Michel. Coaching the Premier League giants will be an incredible story for Michel, who in less than three years has taken Girona from the second tier to play Champions League football for the first time in their history. He is a rising star in the coaching world.
Xabi Alonso
One of the big names. The current Bayer Leverkusen manager has decided to stay at the club after winning a historic Bundesliga title and DFB Pokal trophy before losing to Atalanta in the UEFA Europa League final. Despite links with clubs like Liverpool and Bayern Munich, Alonso stayed with the club that made him one of the most attractive coaches across Europe. Links with Liverpool, Bayern and Real Madrid seem natural due to his past as a footballer, but Manchester City would be an option due to his relationship with Pep Guardiola, who coached him at Bayern from 2014 to 2016.
Mikel Arteta
The Arsenal manager is another name to consider. Arteta has always rejected opportunities and rumors of leaving the Gunners over the past few years, but he already had a spell at City between 2016 and 2019, serving as Guardiola’s assistant manager. Then, in 2019, he left the job to become the new Arsenal manager, but he could be the Citizens’ choice as he already knows the environment and has the experience needed to get the job. It’s hard to imagine him leaving Arsenal right now, but if there’s one thing we know, it’s that in football you never say you won’t do something.
