Manchester City prepare for potential Guardiola exit

Football

Manchester City have reportedly begun planning for the future as manager Pep Guardiola enters the final year of his current contract.

Manchester City officials have started internal discussions regarding a succession plan for manager Pep Guardiola. The 55-year-old manager is currently under contract until the end of the 2024-25 season. Reports from The Guardian indicate that club hierarchy will offer the Spaniard space to decide his future, though they are preparing for his eventual departure.

Guardiola joined the club in 2016 and has led the side to six Premier League titles, including a record four consecutive championships. According to Sky Sports, the manager previously suggested he was 'closer to leaving than staying' following the club's league triumph in 2024.

Potential successors linked with the role include Girona manager Michel and Bayer Leverkusen head coach Xabi Alonso. Despite the internal planning, the club remains hopeful Guardiola will extend his tenure further. City won the 2023-24 Premier League title by two points over Arsenal, and the manager's current focus remains on the upcoming campaign and the FIFA Club World Cup, per ESPN.

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