MANCHESTER CITY will need to plan for life without Pep Guardiola following reports the Spanish coach will leave when his contract expires.
And it's wide-open race for his successor with Julian Nagelsmann, Vincent Kompany and Zinedine Zidane leading several high-profile contenders to replace him at the Etihad Stadium.
The Guardian claim Guardiola is 'firmly minded' to depart the English and European champions in two years when his current deal runs out in June 2025.
It's said he's 'all but decided' that the 2024-25 campaign will be his last, nine years after arriving in the summer of 2016 from Bayern Munich.
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Since arriving, Pep has won five Premier Leagues, masterminded a domestic treble in 2019 and guided City to a record-breaking 100 league points.
He's won the FA Cup twice, the Carabao Cup on four occasions and finally clinched the Champions League trophy as part of this year's historic treble.
There were suggestions that having conquered in England, Spain and Germany, Pep would head to Italy to have managed in Europe's four premier domestic competitions.
But taking charge of an international side is also on his mind.
Manchester City next manager
Betfair odds
- Julian Nagelsmann – 9/2
- Vincent Kompany – 9/2
- Zinedine Zidane – 6/1
- Mikel Arteta – 15/2
- Antonio Conte – 14/1
- Roberto De Zerbi – 16/1
- Eddie Howe – 20/1
- Lionel Scaloni – 20/1
- Jurgen Klopp – 25/1
- Luciano Spalletti – 25/1
- Diego Simeone – 25/1
- Massimiliano Allegri – 33/1
- Ange Postecoglou – 33/1
- Xavi – 33/1
- Patrick Vieira – 33/1
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Nevertheless, Guardiola's departure would leave Manchester City in need of a new manager, and bookmakers Betfair have revealed the full list of potential candidates.
Julian Nagelsmann and Vincent Kompany are the leading contenders, both available at 9/2.
Nagelsmann, 35, would appear the obvious candidate given his footballing philosophies and style are similar to those of Guardiola.
Having worked under both, former City and RB Leipzig defender Angelino claimed the pair were '95 per cent the same' in their approaches.
He said: "In certain things they do resemble each other: in the way of preparing for games, training or knowing what they want. I would say they are 95 per cent the same in those aspects."
Club Legend Kompany is well in the frame given his status in Manchester and impressive exploits with Burnley, guiding them to promotion in his debut season.
Guardiola has spoken of Kompany in glowing terms, and predicted he will one day take charge at the Etihad on merit – not just because of his links to City.
Pep said: "What I said about Vinny sooner or later coming here is not because he was an important figure as a football player, although that helps, or his connection with the fans and knowing the Club
"It’s his understanding of the game and he has an incredible work ethic.
"He puts pressure on every department to be the best. When you combine your knowledge about the game, experience with the club you love, the end will be you finish together."
Zinedine Zidane trails the market leaders at 6/1, ahead of Arsenal's Mikel Arteta (15/2), Antonio Conte (14/1), and Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi (16/1).
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