Five Managers That City Could Go After If Guardiola Were To Leave The Etihad

David Tully

4 years ago

Categories: Galleries, Manchester City News

Tags: Erik ten Hag, Ernesto Valverde, Julian Nagelsmann, Manchester City, Mauricio Pochettino, Pep Guardiola, Thomas Tuchel

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola’s future has come under scrutiny this campaign with the prospect of the club being banned from European competitions for two years.

However, the Spaniard has emphasised that he is committed to the cause with his contract expiring at the end of next season.

So, while it is highly unlikely that Guardiola will be leaving the Etihad Stadium any time soon, a successor for the 49-year-old could still be needed within the next 18 months.

Press the “next page” as we take a look at five managers that City could look to appoint in the event of Guardiola’s departure.

Mauricio Pochettino

The former Tottenham manager has been heavily linked with City’s rivals Manchester United, but a move to Old Trafford doesn’t look imminent at the moment.

If Pochettino were to be still available in 2021, he could well be the ideal man to take on the mantle at the Etihad. He has a similar style of play to Pep, with a high pressing philosophy and an attack-minded approach, and he is still a relatively young coach who could oversee a rebuild of the squad.

Julian Nagelsmann

The RB Leipzig coach has won a host of admirers across Europe and it is easy to see why. He plays an open, positive brand of football with his side currently sitting 3rd in the Bundesliga table.

At 32 years of age, Nagelsmann would bring a fresh and energetic approach to the Etihad Stadium if he was trusted with the reigns at City.

Thomas Tuchel

An older and more experienced version of Nagelsmann, the German has won one league title with PSG and is likely to add to his trophy haul this season.

Tuchel is an exponent of attacking football, and although he is said to be a combustible character, he is excellent at developing young talent.

Ernesto Valverde

Valverde was sacked by Barcelona back in January but he won two league titles and one domestic cup during his time as head coach.

Ferran Soriano and Txiki Begiristain could well return to Spain for their next manager, and appointing another coach linked with their former club Barca cannot be ruled out.

Erik Ten Hag

The Dutchman’s style of play is very close to Guardiola’s philosophy and the Ajax head coach could allow City to make a seamless transition to a new era.

Whether he would still be available in 2021, with other clubs also circling him, it remains to be seen.