{"id":10257,"date":"2026-05-18T20:33:06","date_gmt":"2026-05-18T20:33:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/?p=10257"},"modified":"2026-05-18T20:33:06","modified_gmt":"2026-05-18T20:33:06","slug":"pep-guardiolas-man-city-replacement-as-club-legend-amongst-favourites-to-be-manager","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/?p=10257","title":{"rendered":"Pep Guardiola&#8217;s Man City replacement as club legend amongst favourites to be manager"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"article-body\">\n<h2 class=\"LeadText_lead-text__wd_PA __className_e189fa\" data-testid=\"leadtext\">Pep Guardiola is reportedly set to leave Manchester City after leading the club to its glory years as bookmakers already have an ex-Chelsea boss, a club legend and a proven Premier League manager as favourites<\/h2>\n<div class=\"Byline_byline-container__K_Owl\" data-testid=\"byline\"><span class=\"Byline_byline-content-wrapper__Imque\" data-testid=\"byline-content\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"Byline_author-badge-date-wrapper__Q7jj1\">\n<p><span class=\"\" data-testid=\"byline-publishedDate\">20:37, 18 May 2026<\/span><span class=\"ArticleTimestamp_updated-date__7qD4Q ArticleTimestamp_updated-date-with-published__iFKpF\" data-testid=\"byline-updatedDate\">Updated 21:13, 18 May 2026<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/div>\n<p><button type=\"button\" class=\"SlideViewerButton_slide-viewer-button__BDJoG\" aria-label=\"Open image viewer\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-controls=\"image-lightbox\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"ImageEmbed_image-embed__0T8WX ImageEmbed_image-lead__Ti3qQ\" data-testid=\"leadimage\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-articleid=\"37164517\">\n<div class=\"ImageEmbed_image-container__2AIQm\">\n<figure class=\"Figure_figure__Uce4f\" style=\"--figure-aspect-ratio:1.5\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Pep Guardiola press conference\" loading=\"eager\" sizes=\"(max-width: 508px) 508px, (max-width: 615px) 615px, 1200px\" src=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.dailystar.co.uk\/article37164517.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200f\/1_Screenshot-2026-05-16-at-101318.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.dailystar.co.uk\/article37164517.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s508\/1_Screenshot-2026-05-16-at-101318.jpg 508w, https:\/\/i2-prod.dailystar.co.uk\/article37164517.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s615\/1_Screenshot-2026-05-16-at-101318.jpg 615w, https:\/\/i2-prod.dailystar.co.uk\/article37164517.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200f\/1_Screenshot-2026-05-16-at-101318.jpg 1200w\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"ImageCaption_caption__j7HRu\" data-testid=\"image-caption\">\n<p aria-label=\"Pep Guardiola is reportedly set to leave Man City\" class=\"ImageCaption_caption-title__ccyQU\" data-testid=\"caption-title\">Pep Guardiola is reportedly set to leave Man City<cite aria-label=\"Image: Hayters TV\" class=\"ImageCaption_caption-credit__wlx1W\" data-testid=\"caption-credit\">(Image: Hayters TV)<\/cite><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<p><\/button><\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Manchester City are reportedly on the lookout for a new manager after reports legendary boss Pep Guardiola is set to leave the post at the end of the season.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Pep is set to quit Manchester City after ten years as manager at the Etihad Stadium, according to reports made by the Daily Mail. The former Barcelona icon took charge at the Etihad in 2016 and has helped City win 20 trophies in his time taking the club to one of the most dominate in world football.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Now City chiefs have the difficult task of finding his replacement with bookies already having favourites to takeover the almost impossible task of replicating Pep&#8217;s achievements. One of the favourites amongst bookmakers is Enzo Maresca, former Chelsea manager but also Manchester City assistant manager during Pep&#8217;s reign. His odds on a number of sites are 1\/3.<\/p>\n<div data-testid=\"image-group\"><button type=\"button\" class=\"SlideViewerButton_slide-viewer-button__BDJoG\" aria-label=\"Open image viewer\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-controls=\"image-lightbox\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"ImageEmbed_image-embed__0T8WX false\" data-testid=\"imageembed-37049461\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-articleid=\"37049461\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"image\">\n<div class=\"ImageEmbed_image-container__2AIQm\">\n<figure class=\"Figure_figure__Uce4f\" style=\"--figure-aspect-ratio:1.33\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Head coach Vincent Kompany of FC Bayern Muenchen celebrates after the victory and winning the championship during the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern M\u00fcnchen and VfB Stuttgart at Allianz Arena on April 19, 2026 in M\u00fcnchen, Germany. (Photo by GSI\/Icon Sport via Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" sizes=\"(max-width: 458px) 458px, (max-width: 615px) 615px, 1200px\" src=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.dailystar.co.uk\/article37049461.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200e\/1_GettyImages-2271663292.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.dailystar.co.uk\/article37049461.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s458b\/1_GettyImages-2271663292.jpg 458w, https:\/\/i2-prod.dailystar.co.uk\/article37049461.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s615b\/1_GettyImages-2271663292.jpg 615w, https:\/\/i2-prod.dailystar.co.uk\/article37049461.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200e\/1_GettyImages-2271663292.jpg 1200w\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"ImageCaption_caption__j7HRu\" data-testid=\"image-caption\">\n<p aria-label=\"Vincent Kompany has tasted success in Germany \" class=\"ImageCaption_caption-title__ccyQU\" data-testid=\"caption-title\">Vincent Kompany has tasted success in Germany <cite aria-label=\"Image: GSI\/Icon Sport via Getty Images\" class=\"ImageCaption_caption-credit__wlx1W\" data-testid=\"caption-credit\">(Image: GSI\/Icon Sport via Getty Images)<\/cite><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<p><\/button><\/div>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">The search could also see the club turn to a legend with former captain Vincent Kompany returning to take the job with success at German giants Bayern Munich. Although he endured a tough time in the Premier League on his last sting as manager of Burnley. His odds have been seen at 5\/1.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Other favourites for the job are all currently managing in the Premier League. Current Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner (12\/1), Spurs&#8217; Roberto De Zerbi (14\/1) and Bournemouth&#8217;s Andoni Iraola (16\/1) are also in the running according to bookies.<\/p>\n<div data-testid=\"image-group\"><button type=\"button\" class=\"SlideViewerButton_slide-viewer-button__BDJoG\" aria-label=\"Open image viewer\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-controls=\"image-lightbox\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"ImageEmbed_image-embed__0T8WX false\" data-testid=\"imageembed-37143485\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-articleid=\"37143485\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"image\">\n<div class=\"ImageEmbed_image-container__2AIQm\">\n<figure class=\"Figure_figure__Uce4f\" style=\"--figure-aspect-ratio:1.56\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 30: Enzo Maresca, Manager of Chelsea walks on the pitch after during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge on December 30, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Warren Little\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" sizes=\"(max-width: 458px) 458px, (max-width: 615px) 615px, 1200px\" src=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.dailystar.co.uk\/article37143485.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200e\/1_GettyImages-2254245612.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.dailystar.co.uk\/article37143485.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s458b\/1_GettyImages-2254245612.jpg 458w, https:\/\/i2-prod.dailystar.co.uk\/article37143485.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s615b\/1_GettyImages-2254245612.jpg 615w, https:\/\/i2-prod.dailystar.co.uk\/article37143485.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200e\/1_GettyImages-2254245612.jpg 1200w\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"ImageCaption_caption__j7HRu\" data-testid=\"image-caption\">\n<p aria-label=\"Enzo Maresca had some tough times at Stamford Bridge\" class=\"ImageCaption_caption-title__ccyQU\" data-testid=\"caption-title\">Enzo Maresca had some tough times at Stamford Bridge<cite aria-label=\"Image: Warren Little\/Getty Images\" class=\"ImageCaption_caption-credit__wlx1W\" data-testid=\"caption-credit\">(Image: Warren Little\/Getty Images)<\/cite><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<p><\/button><\/div>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">There is also some taking odds of current Man City assistant manager Pep Lijnders stepping up into the role. Lijnders worked at Liverpool under Jurgen Klopp before making the switch to the blue side of Manchester.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Other outside bets of over 25\/1 include the likes of Como boss Cesc Fabregas and PSG manager Luis Enrique.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simone may have been higher on the bookies list but the Argentinian has spoken out recently about his desire to stay on in La Liga.<\/p>\n<div data-testid=\"image-group\"><button type=\"button\" class=\"SlideViewerButton_slide-viewer-button__BDJoG\" aria-label=\"Open image viewer\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-controls=\"image-lightbox\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"ImageEmbed_image-embed__0T8WX false\" data-testid=\"imageembed-37143487\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-articleid=\"37143487\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"image\">\n<div class=\"ImageEmbed_image-container__2AIQm\">\n<figure class=\"Figure_figure__Uce4f\" style=\"--figure-aspect-ratio:1.5\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Andoni Iraola after his side's 1-0 win during the Premier League match between Fulham and Bournemouth at Craven Cottage. \" loading=\"lazy\" sizes=\"(max-width: 458px) 458px, (max-width: 615px) 615px, 1200px\" src=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.dailystar.co.uk\/article37143487.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200e\/0_Fulham-v-Bournemouth-Premier-League.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.dailystar.co.uk\/article37143487.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s458b\/0_Fulham-v-Bournemouth-Premier-League.jpg 458w, https:\/\/i2-prod.dailystar.co.uk\/article37143487.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s615b\/0_Fulham-v-Bournemouth-Premier-League.jpg 615w, https:\/\/i2-prod.dailystar.co.uk\/article37143487.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200e\/0_Fulham-v-Bournemouth-Premier-League.jpg 1200w\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"ImageCaption_caption__j7HRu\" data-testid=\"image-caption\">\n<p aria-label=\"Andoni Iraola is also in the top five to takeover with some bookies\" class=\"ImageCaption_caption-title__ccyQU\" data-testid=\"caption-title\">Andoni Iraola is also in the top five to takeover with some bookies<cite aria-label=\"Image: Robin Jones - AFC Bournemouth, AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images\" class=\"ImageCaption_caption-credit__wlx1W\" data-testid=\"caption-credit\">(Image: Robin Jones &#8211; AFC Bournemouth, AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images)<\/cite><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<p><\/button><\/div>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Pep could leave Man City as Premier League champions, although they would require Arsenal to slip up massively on the final game of the season.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">City have two games of their Premier League campaign remaining and need favours from elsewhere if they are to overhaul leaders Arsenal.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Yet the City manager refuses to concede the fight and is focused solely on ensuring the battle goes down to the wire.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Guardiola said: \u201cThe important thing is to arrive at the end with options.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">\u201cAll we want is to be with our people in the last game to try to fight. To extend for these last four or five days what we have to do is win at Bournemouth.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Pep Guardiola is reportedly set to leave Manchester City after leading the club to its&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":10258,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"pagelayer_contact_templates":[],"_pagelayer_content":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-10257","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-chelsea"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10257","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=10257"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10257\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/10258"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=10257"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=10257"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=10257"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}