Former Manchester City defender, Nedum Onuoha, believes Pep Guardiola has made up his mind about leaving the Etihad Stadium after this season. Onuoha, who spent years at City, predicts that Guardiola will play a key role in selecting his successor to ensure the club’s long-term success.
Guardiola, who joined Manchester City in 2016, has led the team to an astonishing 18 trophies, including multiple Premier League titles and a UEFA Champions League victory. Despite this remarkable success, the Catalan coach is in the final year of his contract, and rumors about his future have been swirling, especially following the departure of his friend and sporting director, Txiki Begiristain, and the looming shadow of 115 Premier League charges related to financial fair play breaches.
Guardiola’s Next Steps
Though Guardiola has yet to officially commit to City beyond this season, there are reports suggesting he may sign a one-year extension until 2026. However, according to ESPN pundit Onuoha, the City boss may be planning his exit.
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“I don’t expect him to stay, although I’d love for him to,” Onuoha said on the Footy Accumulators No Tippy Tappy Football podcast. “He’s been remarkable, but he can’t do the job forever. He’ll want to leave the club in a strong position, and I believe he’ll have a hand in picking the right successor.”
Onuoha highlighted how Guardiola’s deep understanding of the club’s culture and environment makes him uniquely positioned to help choose the right manager to continue Manchester City’s dominance in English and European football.
“He’s not someone who will leave just for his own benefit. He’s selfless, and with his identity so ingrained in this club, he’ll want to ensure the team keeps thriving even after he’s gone,” Onuoha added.
Evolving English Football
Pep Guardiola’s arrival at Manchester City not only transformed the club but also left a lasting impact on English football. Many doubted whether Guardiola’s possession-based, “tiki-taka” style of play, which he perfected at Barcelona, could work in the fast-paced Premier League. Yet, he evolved his tactics and influenced the way many teams approach the game.
“When he first came, people said ‘you can’t play that style of football here,’ but he proved them wrong. He’s adapted, and the Premier League has evolved because of him,” Onuoha noted. “If he leaves, I’m sure many fans, myself included, would carry him on our shoulders for the memories and success he’s brought.”
Who Could Replace Guardiola?
If Guardiola does depart at the end of the season, several names have emerged as potential successors. Sporting CP’s director of football, Hugo Viana, is set to replace Txiki Begiristain, and his coach, Ruben Amorin, is one of the candidates to take over the managerial role. Another name that stands out is Bayer Leverkusen’s Xabi Alonso, whose managerial style has impressed many.
John Stones: A Key Player in Guardiola’s Era
During the podcast, Onuoha also praised John Stones, one of Guardiola’s first signings at Manchester City. Stones, who joined the club in 2016, has played a pivotal role in their defensive and midfield success.
“He’s been phenomenal, especially after Ruben Dias came in. Stones stepped up during the most important season in City’s history when they won the treble,” Onuoha remarked. “From a defender, he evolved into a top-quality midfielder, showing just how versatile he is.”
Stones, alongside many other Guardiola signings, has been central to Manchester City’s dominance in recent years, further solidifying Guardiola’s legacy as one of the greatest football managers of all time.
