Man City is preparing to replace Pep Guardiola.
Manchester City has identified a surprising candidate to succeed Pep Guardiola as they prepare for life without him.
After Liverpool ended their domestic domination in Arne Slot’s first season at the club, City enters the 2017 Premier League season without the title of defending champions for the first time in four years.
After key midfielder Rodri was injured, Guardiola’s team had a difficult season and dropped to third place in the standings, behind Liverpool and Arsenal. Real Madrid eliminated City from the Champions League, and they lost to Crystal Palace in the FA Cup final.
Notwithstanding their difficulties, manager Guardiola put an end to rumors about his future in November 2024 when he signed a two-year contract extension that would extend his present agreement until June 2027.
Guardiola said that he thought about leaving at the end of the season, but he decided it wasn’t the right moment to leave the team that has dominated English football since he joined.
Even though he has committed to the team for the upcoming two seasons, City has already begun their succession planning process and has added an unexpected name to their list of potential replacements for the renowned Catalan.
Former Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas, who is presently manager of Como in Serie A, is said to be one of the leading candidates for the position.
According to Football Transfers, the Etihad Stadium is beginning to understand that Guardiola’s tenure may be coming to an end as his long contract expires and that a seamless handoff to their future manager is preferred.
After making an impression during his initial stint at Como, Fabregas is now gaining traction as a top option. He is said to be a manager who will comprehend the team’s tactical tactics and is familiar with the Premier League from his time at Arsenal and Chelsea.
The former Spain international also attended Barcelona’s renowned La Masia academy, which had a significant impact on Guardiola’s and his former assistant Mikel Arteta’s playing styles.
After leading Como to a 10th-place finish the previous season, Fabregas was pursued by Inter Milan, the beaten Champions League finalists, to succeed Simone Inzaghi.
The former Barcelona midfielder said that he still enjoys his job and has faith in the team’s long-term goals.
Regarding his future, he stated: “I have a lot of faith in the Como project.
I began with this group since I was considering a long-term endeavor. I don’t want to end my career at a club where everything stops after a project lasts for a year or two.
“I firmly think that Como’s long-term project will succeed. As a player, I came here, and I’m incredibly delighted that I may work however I want. We have the same aspirations and objectives.
“The President gives me the freedom to work how I perceive things and how I want to. We are fortunate to have the same vision and the same objective, which is to reach the greatest extent feasible. Despite living in a tiny town and club, we have grown into a pretty strong team with lofty goals for the future.
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