Pep Guardiola Set To Join Manchester City?

Now that Guardiola has told the club that his days in Germany will come to an end in May, the speculation about his next career move will go into overdrive. Here, then, is a look at the likely destinations for the world’s most sought-after football manager.

In the spring of this year, sources close to owner Sheikh Mansour revealed that Guardiola had agreed to take over from current manager Manuel Pellegrini at the start of the 2015/16 season. Guardiola, however, stayed in Munich, and Pellegrini’s contract was renewed for another year.

The “Guardiola to Man City” rumour kicked into high gear again this autumn, with a slight change of starting date (2016/17) amid reports of contracts being signed.

There’s no doubt that Guardiola enjoys an excellent working relationship with Txiki Begiristain and Ferran Soriano, the former Barcelona officials now occupying the roles of director of football and CEO, respectively, at the Etihad. And there’s no doubt that both of them have been trying hard to lure him to Man City. What’s far less clear is the question of any firm agreement being in place.

What’s more, seasoned Guardiola watchers in Spain talk of his capriciousness and note that he has disappointed associates with last-minute changes of plan before.

That said, the combination of a weak incumbent coach, vast resources to create a second Barcelona and people he trusts at board level, still makes City the most realistic prospect. The squad, centre-backs aside, has been significantly rejuvenated and refreshed this summer, and Guardiola’s presence would not only provide a huge upgrade on existing and former managers but also add a significant amount of star dust that neither Roberto Mancini nor Pellegrini possesses. Getting Guardiola is seen as a short cut to becoming an elite club, both in terms of perception and output, which explains why City are pushing so hard.