According to the British newspaper Telegraph, Alonso is being seriously considered, despite his strong ties to Liverpool, a club that has been a long-time Premier League title rival to Man City. Alonso is currently a free agent after leaving Real Madrid in January and is also likely a target for Liverpool if they decide to part ways with Arne Slot.

Alonso is one of Europe's most promising coaches. He made a significant impact leading Leverkusen, his first major club, from 2022 to 2025. A highlight was Alonso guiding Leverkusen to an unbeaten domestic double, ending Bayern's era of dominance in the 2023-2024 season. However, the Spanish coach only spent seven months at Real Madrid after that.

Coach Xabi Alonso (left) speaks with Pep Guardiola before Real's 1-2 Champions League loss to Man City at the Bernabeu, Madrid, Spain on 10/12/2025. *Photo: Reuters*

Another candidate is Enzo Maresca, a former assistant to Guardiola at Man City, though the Italian coach's chances are not considered strong. Maresca is also a free agent after being dismissed by Chelsea on New Year's Day 2026.

Cesc Fabregas, currently managing Como, who sit sixth in Serie A, is also making an impression and is seen as a potential option if Man City seeks to invest in a young, tactically astute coach.

Meanwhile, Vincent Kompany, a former Man City captain now managing Bayern Munich, is unlikely to leave the German club, having extended his contract until 2029. Roberto De Zerbi was previously of interest to Man City, but his future at Marseille became uncertain after poor performance in the Champions League.

Director of Football Hugo Viana will be primarily responsible for finding Guardiola's successor, should the Spanish coach decide to leave the Etihad. Guardiola may offer input during this process.

Last weekend's 2-2 draw against Tottenham in matchday 24 of the Premier League, where Man City squandered a two-goal lead and fell 6 points behind Arsenal in the title race, further fueled doubts about Guardiola's future.

According to the Telegraph, the manner in which Man City lost control of the game and failed to exert enough pressure on a direct rival led observers to question the team's motivation and long-term direction. The report highlighted Man City's lack of intensity against Tottenham, reflecting an unsettled mood in the dressing room, with some players believing Guardiola will depart after the 2025-2026 season.

While sources within Man City insist these rumors are "pure speculation," many rival clubs and figures in English football believe the Etihad club has begun preparing contingency plans. Guardiola, 55 years old, has won six Premier League titles since taking charge in 2016 and recently extended his contract until summer 2027, but could still leave the Etihad after nearly a decade at the helm.

Hong Duy (via Telegraph)