Cesc Fabregas has emerged as one of three contenders to potentially succeed Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. This follows a somewhat lacklustre performance at Tottenham Hotspur, where City surrendered a two-goal advantage, adding fuel to the fire regarding Guardiola’s future.
The draw at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday leaves City trailing leaders Arsenal by six points. Insiders suggest there’s a growing sentiment within the club that the players appear to be ‘going through the motions’, anticipating Guardiola’s expected departure following the current campaign.
Despite Guardiola’s contract running until the summer of 2027, whispers inside Premier League circles and among City’s adversaries suggest this could very well be his farewell season after a decade at the helm. City officials have dismissed these departure rumours as mere speculation, but the chatter has intensified, particularly following Enzo Maresca’s revelation to Chelsea about discussions with City before his dismissal from the Blues last month.
Maresca, who previously served as Guardiola’s right-hand man, is purportedly on the shortlist alongside Xabi Alonso and Cesc Fabregas. Alonso, despite his dismissal from Real Madrid in January, remains a serious candidate despite his past ties to Liverpool, a side that could soon be in search of a new manager with Arne Slot under pressure at Anfield.
Since taking the helm at Italian outfit Como in the summer of 2024, Fabregas has garnered admirers across the continent for his remarkable achievements. It is believed he would only entertain a departure for a prestigious role within a top Premier League or European club — few roles could eclipse that of succeeding Guardiola at the Etihad.
Vincent Kompany’s name also frequently crops up in connection with the City role due to his illustrious playing career and leadership at the club. However, those in close quarters with Bayern Munich suggest he isn’t likely to depart the Bavarian giants, having recently extended his terms with them until 2029.
As reports have it, Guardiola could be consulted for his recommendation regarding his replacement, akin to Sir Alex Ferguson’s push for David Moyes at United. Nevertheless, the onus ultimately falls on director of football, Hugo Viana, to undertake the formidable duty of appointing the next City manager.
The Telegraph quotes club sources pointing to the nature of the Tottenham draw as a stark indicator of an impending need for managerial change. One source commented, “Tottenham were there for the taking, but City weren’t ruthless. Some of the players look like they think Pep is leaving at the end of the season and, as a result, they are going through the motions.”
Another remarked, “It just doesn’t look as though it means as much to them as Arsenal. Most of them have won all those trophies and if they win the title, then great. But if they don’t, does it mean as much? [Erling] Haaland was laughing with Tottenham players near the end of the game, when City needed a goal.”