Here is all you need to know about Manchester City's new Pep Guardiola replacement

It didn’t take long for Manchester City to start looking for a replacement for Pep Guardiola, despite extending his contract last year. According to recent reports, Manchester City is now eyeing the services of Xabi Alonso, who is currently managing Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga.

The tweet read:

As per BILD, #ManCity are considering Xabi Alonso as a candidate to replace Pep Guardiola. #RealMadrid #Bayer04

What Pep Guardiola has achieved at the Etihad Stadium is beyond what was once thought possible for Manchester City. In the last four seasons, he has won every major domestic title, including leading his side to the club’s first-ever Champions League title in the 2022/23 season, completing a historic treble. However, in the ongoing season, the club has failed to meet expectations. They have fallen behind in the title race and have also been knocked out of the Champions League and Carabao Cup. With his preferred set of players aging and new talent needing to be integrated, the club is now exploring alternatives who could effectively manage the transition.

On the other hand, Xabi Alonso has no shortage of suitors. His former club, Real Madrid, is reportedly eyeing him as a potential successor to Carlo Ancelotti. A year ago, Liverpool also considered him as a replacement for Jürgen Klopp, but they ultimately went with Arne Slot. Now, Manchester City will be eager to defeat Real Madrid in an attempt to bring Alonso to the Etihad.

Why is Xabi Alonso getting so much attention? 

The former Liverpool and Real Madrid player helped Bayer Leverkusen to win their first ever title in decades while also breaking the Bayern juggernaut. In the ongoing season, they are trying to defend the title but are eight points behind. They also have qualified for the Round of 16 of the Champions League, where they will be up against Bayern Munich. 

What next for Pep Guardiola? 

Pep Guardiola has firmly established himself as a legend at Manchester City, and it’s unlikely that he will be dismissed from his role anytime soon. His side remains in the top four, holding a slender one-point lead over the other teams chasing a place in the top four. It remains interesting to see the path that Manchester City would take in summer.