Overview
- Multiple outlets citing the Daily Telegraph report that Manchester City have identified Xabi Alonso, Enzo Maresca and Cesc Fàbregas on a three-man shortlist in case Pep Guardiola departs at season’s end.
- Manchester City representatives have dismissed suggestions of active succession planning, describing claims of an imminent change as pure speculation.
- Speculation over Guardiola’s future has intensified after City let a 2-0 lead slip in a 2-2 draw at Tottenham and fell six points behind Arsenal in the Premier League.
- Alonso became available after leaving Real Madrid in January, Maresca was sacked by Chelsea after acknowledging talks with City, and Fàbregas has earned plaudits for guiding Como to sixth in Serie A.
- Guardiola’s deal runs until the summer of 2027 and he has previously spoken about stopping after his current stage with City, which rivals view as a sign he could leave this summer according to the reports.