### Manchester City Prepares for Life After Guardiola: Potential Successors Identified As speculation mounts regarding Pep Guardiola's future at Manchester City, the club's Director of Football, Hugo Viana, has begun compiling a list of potential successors. Reports indicate that Guardiola's departure could be imminent, prompting City to consider at least two candidates to take over the managerial role. Among the names being discussed is Chelsea's current head coach, Enzo Maresca, who has emerged as a leading contender due to his previous experience with the club and recent successes in his managerial career [https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/manchester-city-identify-least-two-080000981.html][https://mancitynews.com/man-city-news-vincent-kompany]. ### Structure of the Managerial Search 1. **Current Situation**: - Pep Guardiola's future at Manchester City is uncertain, with growing doubts about his continuation beyond the current season [https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/manchester-city-identify-least-two-080000981.html]. - The club is proactively seeking potential replacements to ensure a smooth transition if Guardiola decides to leave [https://mancitynews.com/man-city-news-vincent-kompany]. 2. **Candidates Under Consideration**: - **Enzo Maresca**: Currently the head coach at Chelsea, Maresca has been linked to the City job due to his successful tenure at Chelsea and his previous role as Guardiola's assistant [https://www.footballtransfers.com/en/transfer-news/uk-premier-league/2025/12/enzo-maresca-makes-man-city-statement-as-chelsea-draw-up-shortlist-of-replacements]. - **Vincent Kompany**: Another name mentioned is former City captain Vincent Kompany, who has made a name for himself as a manager at Burnley [https://mancitynews.com/man-city-news-vincent-kompany]. 3. **Fan Reactions**: - Manchester City supporters have expressed mixed feelings about the potential candidates, with some favoring Kompany over Maresca [https://mancitynews.com/man-city-news-enzo-maresca-fans]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Guardiola's Contract**: Despite having signed a contract extension until 2027, the uncertainty surrounding his future has led to speculation about his potential exit [https://www.gbnews.com/sport/football/man-city-pep-guardiola-replacement-enzo-maresca]. - **Maresca's Achievements**: Under Maresca, Chelsea won the Conference League and the FIFA Club World Cup, showcasing his capability to lead at a high level [https://yardbarker.com/soccer/articles/report_italian_maresca_top_pick_to_replace_guardiola_at_manchester_city/s1_17344_43221322]. - **Kompany's Success**: Kompany has successfully guided Burnley in the Championship, further enhancing his credentials as a potential successor [https://mancitynews.com/man-city-news-vincent-kompany]. ### Conclusion: The Road Ahead for Manchester City In summary, Manchester City is actively preparing for a potential managerial change as doubts grow about Pep Guardiola's future. The club is considering several candidates, with Enzo Maresca and Vincent Kompany emerging as frontrunners. 1. **Immediate Action**: City is taking proactive steps to identify and evaluate potential successors to ensure continuity in their managerial strategy. 2. **Candidate Profiles**: Maresca's recent successes and Kompany's legacy at the club make them strong candidates for the role. 3. **Fan Engagement**: The club must also consider fan sentiment as they navigate this critical transition. As the situation develops, Manchester City will need to balance ambition with the expectations of their supporters while ensuring they secure a manager capable of continuing their recent successes [https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/manchester-city-identify-least-two-080000981.html][https://mancitynews.com/man-city-news-vincent-kompany].