With the international break in full swing, speculation about Pep Guardiola’s future at Manchester City has taken center stage. Guardiola’s contract expires at the end of this season, and as of now, there’s no clarity on whether he will extend his stay at the Etihad. Amidst this uncertainty, a new report from Eurosport Spain has added fuel to the fire, suggesting that Xabi Alonso is set to leave Bayer Leverkusen at the end of the current campaign.
This development raises an intriguing question for Manchester City: if Alonso is their preferred candidate to succeed Guardiola, should they act swiftly to secure his services? According to the report, Real Madrid is also eyeing Alonso as a potential replacement for Carlo Ancelotti, which could create a competitive race for the talented manager.
The Uncertainty Around Guardiola
Guardiola’s indecision places City in a delicate position. If he chooses to extend his stay, the club can move forward with stability. However, if he decides to step away, City will need to act quickly to secure a successor—and Alonso’s potential availability makes the situation even more pressing.
Xabi Alonso’s Rising Profile
Xabi Alonso, who transformed Bayer Leverkusen since taking over in 2022, has emerged as one of the brightest young managers in football. Having won the Bundesliga title and the DFB-Pokal last season, Alonso narrowly missed out on a treble after losing the Europa League final to Atalanta. His growing reputation has naturally attracted interest from top clubs like Real Madrid and Manchester City.
The Clock Is Ticking
If Manchester City views Alonso as the ideal successor to Guardiola, they may need to accelerate their timeline. The longer Guardiola delays his decision, the more difficult it becomes for City to stay ahead of the curve. While it’s likely the club will give Guardiola the time he needs, there could come a point where the board steps in and asks for clarity.
As I see it, the longer Guardiola’s future remains undecided, the more likely it seems he will stay. Historically, such delays often signal a manager’s intent to continue. However, this is not guaranteed, and City cannot afford to be caught off guard—especially with Real Madrid reportedly pushing to secure Alonso.
What Comes Next
The ideal scenario for City is clear: Guardiola decides to stay, removing the cloud of uncertainty and allowing the club to continue its dominance under his leadership. However, if the decision stretches into January or February without resolution, City may have no choice but to demand clarity.
Should Guardiola opt to leave, the club must act decisively. If Alonso is their top choice, they cannot risk losing him to Madrid. As it stands, City has time, but not an indefinite amount. The key is balancing respect for Guardiola’s decision-making process with the need to plan for the future.
Ultimately, this is a pivotal moment for Manchester City’s leadership. Guardiola has been instrumental in the club’s unprecedented success, but the future waits for no one. Whether it’s Pep Guardiola staying or Xabi Alonso stepping in, City must ensure they remain ahead of the competition both on and off the pitch.
