Man City Draw Up Three-Man Shortlist To Replace Pep Guardiola After Spurs Draw

Manchester City have drawn up a three-man shortlist for replacing Pep Guardiola as his future at the Etihad Stadium remains uncertain.

On Sunday City lost ground on Arsenal in the title race after dropping points away at the Gunners' rivals Spurs, who fought back from 2-0 down to claim a point.

City have claimed just one win in the Premier League in 2026, a 2-0 victory over Wolves, and now find themselves six points behind Arsenal in the title race.

Following a spell where it looked things might have been clicking before the New Year drop-off, City have been a shadow of the dominant side who controlled games with ease and the wretched run has brought further doubts that Guardiola may not be be manager next season.

The Catalan is approaching a decade in the City hotseat and has won six Premier League titles. But with his contract due to expire in the summer of 2027, some clubs believe the 55-year-old is about to leave.

There are some suggestions that City are planning for life after Guardiola and a trio of candidates are seen as possible successors.

Pep Guardiola's contract at City runs until 2027. Image: Getty

Matt Law of The Telegraph states that Xabi Alonso is expected to be on the shortlist having recently been given the boot from Real Madrid.

Alonso played under Guardiola at Bayern Munich and is set to be courted by former club Liverpool depending on what happens with current boss Arne Slot, who is under pressure after a difficult period in his second season.

Following up journalist Duncan Castles, Alonso is in pole position to replace Guardiola and was "sounded out" prior to leaving Real.

Enzo Maresca is also set to be a contender following his dismissal from Chelsea. The Italian worked at City previously with the Under 23's and was Guardiola's assistant in the first-team for a spell.

Prior to being sacked, Maresca had told Chelsea he had conversations with representatives from City.

Another former Guardiola player is in the mix, with Cesc Fabregas enjoying an impressive run with Serie A side Como and leading them to sixth in the table.

Cesc Fabregas is said to be a contender. Image: Getty

There is a dream scenario for City fans whereby former captain Vincent Kompany returns to the club as manager. However, Kompany is thriving at Bayern Munich and signed a contract extension until 2029 and is in discussions about the club's summer deals.

The club's director of football Hugo Viana, who replaced Guardiola's close friend Txiki Begirstain at the helm, will have the most important role in selecting the replacement and City's greatest ever manager may well also have a say.

City return to action on Wednesday with the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Newcastle, before travelling to Liverpool for a huge Premier League clash on Sunday.