Pep Guardiola would leave Manchester City and his replacement would come from Portugal

As of today, speculation surrounding Pep Guardiola’s future at Manchester City has intensified, with many believing he may be more likely to leave than stay. Signs of a potential end to his illustrious tenure at the helm have been evident, including his lack of a renewal announcement and recent comments that hinted at a farewell. The confirmed departure of director of football Txiki Begiristain adds to the uncertainty, prompting concerns among City fans about Guardiola's next steps.

According to The Athletic, Begiristain is set to leave his position at the end of the current season, which has sent shockwaves through the City fanbase. His exit could signify a significant shift within the club's structure and potentially pave the way for Guardiola’s departure as well. Begiristain has been instrumental since joining Manchester City in the 2012/13 season, working alongside Guardiola to build a championship-winning squad.

Transitioning Leadership at Manchester City

While the end of an era may be on the horizon, Manchester City reportedly has a successor lined up for Begiristain. Fabrizio Romano has indicated that Hugo Viana, the current sporting director at Sporting Lisbon, is the frontrunner to take over. Viana has been pivotal in Sporting’s recent success, leading the team to a league title and breaking the long-standing dominance of Porto and Benfica.

Sporting Lisbon has made strides in both domestic and international competitions, currently excelling in the Champions League. Viana’s keen eye for talent has also brought in several standout players, such as Viktor Gyökeres, Diomandé, and Hjulmand, who have thrived under his direction.

Potential New Coaching Direction

The arrival of Viana could also herald a new era for Manchester City in terms of coaching. Rúben Amorim, the current manager of Sporting, is emerging as a strong candidate to succeed Guardiola. Amorim has garnered attention for his innovative approach to the game, which has captivated both fans and pundits alike. His name has been linked to several top clubs, including Liverpool and Barcelona, suggesting that his tactical prowess has not gone unnoticed.

Amorim’s style aligns closely with the attacking philosophy that City is known for. He emphasizes possession-based football with a structure that includes three central defenders, aiming to break lines and create opportunities through a dual pivot in midfield. His tactical flexibility allows players to interchange positions freely, maximizing their attacking potential while maintaining high defensive pressure.

With a contract extending until 2026, Rúben Amorim is certainly a leading candidate to take over at Manchester City, although how these developments will unfold remains to be seen.

• Pep Guardiola’s future at Manchester City is in doubt following recent comments and the confirmed departure of Txiki Begiristain.
• Begiristain, who has been with the club since 2012, is set to leave at the end of the season, heightening concerns over Guardiola’s tenure.
• Hugo Viana, currently at Sporting Lisbon, is a leading candidate to succeed Begiristain, having achieved significant success in Portugal.
• Viana’s ability to identify and develop talent has brought players like Viktor Gyökeres to prominence.
• Rúben Amorim is being considered as a potential successor to Guardiola, known for his effective and visually appealing style of play.
• Amorim’s contract with Sporting Lisbon lasts until 2026, making him a viable option for City’s future.