Pep Guardiola Could Depart The Etihad After THIS Season

Pep Guardiola has a massive decision to make. According to Goal, the Catalan manager is nearing a decision to leave the Etihad.

This is the fifth season in charge for Pep and the longest of his career at any stop. Could it just be time?

An added wrinkle is a potential Leo Messi arrival. The phenom would only come to Manchester if Pep is there, so it could be a widely implicated deal that effects everything at City.

Another talking point is his renewal, should it happen, would be only one season. That brings many questions. Is it him and Messi for one last dance? Would Pep be as invested given his end is set? Who knows, but I don’t think that would be ideal for City. Either secure a 2-3 year deal or cut bait.

Then there is a potential Barcelona homecoming. With them set to undergo a presidential election for leadership of the club, that could entice a reunion with a Pep friendly board room.

We, thus, have to speak about replacements. Goal already had a shortlist City would go after.

Goal reports -

City have a shortlist of potential successors should Guardiola decide to end his stay at the club, with Goal having learned that RB Leipzig’s Julian Nagelsmann and former Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino are among the potential candidates.

I get planning for the future, but City know Pep is priority one. I do think it will depend on performances this season and backing for a spending heavy window next summer.

Will a good UCL performance allow him to leave peacefully?

Time will tell. I would want Pep here for at least two more seasons.

Thoughts on Pep’s contract and possible replacements?