Man City identify ‘Big 6’ manager as Pep Guardiola successor

The gaffer identified is 'high among the candidates' to succeed the legendary Pep.

As per anonymous sources to The Athletic and David Ornstein, there is a growing anticipation that Guardiola may leave the club at the end of this coming season, with a firm decision to be made closer to the business end.

Guardiola is currently contracted to the club until June 2027, courtesy of a new deal signed in November 2024.

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If the six-time Premier League and treble winner does depart Manchester, the club may look to Chelsea's Enzo Maresca.

In his second season in the capital, Maresca is though well-known by City, having led the club's under-21 for the 2020-21 season, before returning as a first-team assistant in 2022.

The Italian's Chelsea contract currently runs until 2029, with an option to extend by a further 12-months.

Speaking to ESPN Brasil in May, Guardiola promised to take a break from football after leaving City, who he joined in 2016.

“After my contract with City, I’m going to stop,” the Catalan stated. “I am sure. I don’t know if I’m going to retire, but I’m going to take a break.”

Guardiola was then asked again on the topic, following his former assistant Carles Planchart suggesting he take a break from the game.

“At the moment, I think I have the energy with my players to simply make a better season than last season,” Guardiola claimed.

“There is the margin that we can do better in many aspects and that gives me the energy that it’s not job done. It’s completely unfinished business. That’s why I am here.”