Pep Guardiola to Leave City in the Summer 2025 – Can Anyone Replace Him?
First, Klopp broke the entire supporter base of Liverpool (and much of the rest of the world) heart, and now Pep?! It is a rough year for the premier league as it faces the possibility of losing two of the most iconic managers it has had within 12 months.
Pep leaving is still speculation, but the thought is sombre for the league, which has benefited so much from his skill, charisma, and dress sense.
After bagging six Premier League titles and another 15 major trophies, there is one question unanswered: who will take over? Read on to find out.
Who Could Replace Him?
Finding someone to replace the Spaniard is not easy. The following names are flying around:
Julian Nagelsmann: This young German coach has made such a fuss in football by being innovative tactically and getting the best out of players. His coaching experience at RB Leipzig and Bayern Munich proves he can handle big clubs and high expectations. But can he handle treble winners Man City pressure?
Xabi Alonso: Managing Bayer Leverkusen presently, Alonso is tactically savvy and ability to deal with star players have made him one of the most promising coaches. His success in Germany and taking Leverkusen to the top of the Bundesliga – and playing for the legendary manager as part of the Bayern Munich team – gives him enough qualifications for consideration.
Roberto De Zerbi: Despite difficulties while managing Brighton & Hove Albion before – De Zerbi remains an interesting nominee due to his commitment to attacking possession-based football. He can help develop young talents better than anyone else.
What Would It Mean for the City?
The loss of Pep would be a huge blow to those at the Etihad. It goes beyond the numerous trophies won – it has even touched on reshaping their identity and playing style.
If he left, the team could experience a period of adjustment as they get used to having another manager. The ex-Barca coach has become synonymous with the playing style of the Blue Moon – heavily based on high pressing and possession.
A new manager might (or definitely will) bring about different tactical approaches, which can be hard for the players to adjust. There have been some catastrophic takeovers with new management styles that publicly fail – Erik Ten Hag at Manchester United is one example.
Would City Still Be Top of the Betting Site Predictions for Winners?
As perennial favourites in domestic and European competitions due to their dominance under the touted ‘Bald Fraud’, the reigning Premier League champions could lose these tags slightly if their head coach leaves, depending on who replaces him.
The odds on betting sites listed here would change slightly following his departure, depending on who takes over. If City hires someone equally accomplished, they might remain favourites, while bookmakers on casino sites could lose faith in such a side through an inexperienced appointee.
Based on their infrastructure, financial muscle, and squad quality, City will stay in contention. Nonetheless, the transition period and how fast the new coach can get his ideas across will be very important. No doubt betting platforms will closely observe this phase and base their odds on the initial stages of management. A bad manager will equal bad results.
Will Pep leave?
Though Guardiola has given indications that he might leave, there is still a glimmer of hope that he will stay back. His close relationship with the director of football, Txiki Begiristain, gives him leeway in making decisions that best suit him. Earlier in the year, Guardiola reported feeling tired and yearning for new challenges, possibly at the level of the national team. However, it is expected that by the end of 2024, Pep will decide whether to stay or leave.
The recent comments indicate he is closer to leaving than staying, but nothing has been decided yet. Ultimately, whether he opts to continue a relentless pace in club football or pursue fresh fronts within international management will influence his decision.
It would mean the end of an era for Manchester City if Pep Guardiola leaves in 2025. It is the same as Klopp leaving, except Klopp had more of a likeable character – his exit cut everyone deep, not only Liverpool fans. Still, a correct appointment will see Man City build upon the strong foundation he has laid down.