Manchester City have drawn up a three-man shortlist to succeed head coach Pep Guardiola, according to the Telegraph.
Guardiola took over as City boss back in 2016 and has delivered ample silverware during his time at the Etihad Stadium, including six Premier League titles and the Champions League once.
The Spaniard extended his stay in Manchester in November 2024, but there is an expectation that he will leave the club at the end of the season, though City have dismissed claims as “pure speculation”.
Even so, reports suggest that City are now looking at potential successors as they look to maintain Guardiola’s work at the Etihad Stadium.
Guardiola successors revealed
Former Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso is expected to make the cut despite his short stint at the Bernabeu helm.
Alonso, who succeeded Carlo Ancelotti in Madrid last summer, was relieved of his duties in the capital last month following their 3-2 Supercopa de Espana final loss to rivals Barcelona.
Premier League rivals Liverpool have also been credited with an interest in Alonso as Arne Slot continues to struggle in his second season on Merseyside despite Saturday's 4-1 win over Newcastle.
Enzo Maresca is another name that is expected to feature on the shortlist, the Italian, like Alonso, also out of work having been dismissed as Chelsea head coach on New Year’s Day.
And current Como boss Cesc Fabregas rounds off the three potential candidates to take over the City reins.
Fabregas has won a legion of admirers for his work for the Italian side, who are currently sixth in Serie A.
City now six points off the pace
City lost ground in the title race at the weekend as they threw away a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 at Tottenham on Sunday afternoon.
First half goals from Rayan Cherki and Antoine Semenyo fired City into a commanding lead heading into the break.
However, a rejuvenated Tottenham rescued a result owing to a Dominic Solanke brace, including a scorpion kick to draw Spurs level.
The result means City are now six points behind league leaders Arsenal ahead of the weekend’s action.
City make the trip to Anfield on Sunday as they look to return to winning ways, though could be nine points off the pace with Arsenal in action on Saturday.
