'Written in the stars!' - Pep Guardiola already knows Man City's next manager, says it's his 'destiny'

Pep Guardiola believes that it is Vincent Kompany’s “destiny” to become Manchester City manager after claiming that it is “already written in the stars.”

Kompany played an instrumental part in City’s trophy-winning success, with the club legend lifting four Premier League titles, four League Cups and two FA Cups.

The 36-year-old former City defender left the Etihad in 2019 after 11 successful seasons and went on to become a player-manager for Anderlecht.

Following his departure from Anderlecht, Kompany succeeded Sean Dyche as Burnley boss in 2022 after the club were relegated from the Premier League.

Kompany has been widely hailed for his immediate impact at Burnley, with the Clarets 12 points clear at the top of the Championship table.

The Burnley manager is set for an emotional return to the Etihad later this month, as Guardiola’s City side will face the Clarets in the FA Cup quarter-finals.

Guardiola has insisted that he is “pretty sure” that Kompany will be in the City hot seat after praising his “work ethic” and “knowledge” of the sport.

“All of us here and the fans are happy he will be back,” he said.

“He will be back sooner or later. His destiny to be the manager of Manchester City is already written in the stars.

“It’s going to happen, I don’t know when but it is going to happen I am pretty sure.

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“It is my feeling, maybe I am wrong. He has the attributes, work ethic, knowledge of the game, well respected, experienced.

“Doing what he has done is so difficult and he is doing really well. He knows the club, the environment, the fans, what our people need. The destiny is there.”

The City boss spoke highly of Kompany’s influence on Burnley in his first season in charge, with Guardiola praising the “consistency” he has achieved at the club.

“I am impressed with the consistency -- the Championship is so difficult with the number of games,” Guardiola said.

“The consistency has been unbelievable. They are close to being promoted to the Premier League next season and personally I am delighted with his success, what they are doing in Burnley.

“It’s a quarter-final of the FA Cup, an incredible chance to again reach the semi-final at Wembley. We will try to compete against Vinny and his team.”