Sky Sports reports that Pep Guardiola is highly likely to leave Manchester City after this season, with the club already starting to plan for his successor.
On 3 Feb 2026 GMT+7, Sky Sports, a leading English sports media outlet, reported that it is highly likely Pep Guardiola will step down as Manchester City manager after this season, prompting the club to seriously prepare for a new era.
The report states that at the Etihad Stadium, the situation has been assessed in advance, and the board has compiled a list of new managerial candidates, with former Spanish international midfielder Xabi Alonso as the top contender to succeed him.
This situation follows the 'Sky Blues' managing only a 2-2 home draw against Tottenham Hotspur in their latest Premier League match, leaving them six points behind the leaders and highlighting Guardiola's difficult start to 2026.
Pep Guardiola took over as Manchester City manager in 2016 and has led the team to numerous titles over nearly a decade, including the Premier League, FA Cup, and UEFA Champions League, truly ushering in a golden era for the club.
However, Sky Sports notes growing expectations that this may be the Spanish manager's final season. The club does not want to wait for an abrupt departure decision and has begun advance planning for a smooth transition.
Xabi Alonso was recently dismissed by Real Madrid in early January after just six months in charge, failing to meet the 'Los Blancos' standards, but he is still regarded as a coach whose football philosophy closely aligns with Guardiola's.
Previously, Alonso was linked with Liverpool as a potential replacement for Jürgen Klopp due to his past ties as a player at Anfield. However, the latest reports indicate Manchester City is now among the clubs showing more serious interest.
Besides Alonso, Manchester City is also considering other candidates such as Enzo Maresca, former Chelsea manager and ex-assistant to Guardiola; Cesc Fàbregas, currently performing well with Como in Serie A; and Roberto De Zerbi, who although less likely, remains under consideration.
Meanwhile, Vincent Kompany, former Manchester City captain, is seen as unlikely to accept an offer since he intends to continue his long-term project with Bayern Munich.
Sky Sports concludes that Manchester City seeks a new manager who can continue Guardiola's attacking football philosophy and maintain the club's high standards of success if the change happens this summer.