Inter Milan and Italy legend Marco Materazzi has suggested one manager he believes could potentially succeed Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.
The Catalan coach remains in a state of uncertainty regarding his future at the Etihad Stadium. Now 53, Guardiola is still contemplating whether he will extend his tenure with the club beyond this season.
Guardiola has led Manchester City for the past nine years, securing unprecedented success. However, doubts linger about whether this might be his final season with the club.
With Guardiola’s contract due to expire at season’s end, speculation is already building about possible successors to the former FC Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager.
One notable figure entering this conversation is Marco Materazzi, one of Italy’s most renowned footballers. He points to a prominent Italian coach—someone well-known to Manchester City fans—as a potential candidate for the Etihad role.
In an interview with The Italian Football Podcast and SempreInter.com, Materazzi endorsed Inter’s current head coach, Simone Inzaghi, as a future Premier League leader, saying, “I am an Inter fan. So I hope he stays at Inter because his job there hasn’t been finished yet. I think he is a good profile for the Premier League.”
Materazzi continued, “Maybe Arteta, who is one of the best coaches in the Premier League, but for me Arsenal is one of the clubs in my opinion for Simone. Maybe Manchester United. And Manchester City too, because nobody knows what Pep will do.”
Reflecting his personal connection, Materazzi added, “But I hope Simone stays in Italy. I’m not his manager. I’m his friend because we played each other and we have a good relationship. I can’t decide on his fate.”
Meanwhile, Manchester City remains focused on securing a contract extension with Guardiola. A final decision is anticipated in the coming weeks as Guardiola takes a short break from club responsibilities.
Another significant change on the horizon at Manchester City is in their leadership team, as Sporting’s Hugo Viana is set to take over as Director of Football from Txiki Begiristain, who will step down after 12 years with the club.
