Pep Guardiola has apparently hinted at who he believes should replace him as Manchester City manager when he eventually departs.
Since arriving at the club before the 2016/17 season, the Spanish coach has achieved remarkable success, securing five Premier League titles, a Champions League, and numerous other trophies…Continue Reading
Given this, replacing Guardiola at City seems like a near-impossible task, as replicating his accomplishments would be extremely difficult.
Nevertheless, Guardiola reportedly sees one manager as an ideal successor. According to a report from The Telegraph last October, he believes that former Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi has what it takes to step into his shoes when the time comes.
Earlier in the year, following a 1-1 draw between Brighton and City, Guardiola made his feelings known as he spoke with three Brighton players while heading down the tunnel at Amex Stadium.
Here, he nodded towards De Zerbi and said, “That’s the next Man City manager.”
And this isn’t the first time Guardiola has praised the Italian coach as, ahead of their 22/23 season clash on May 24, Pep labelled De Zerbi ‘one of the most influential managers in the last 20 years’.
“Pay attention to what I’m about to say because I’m convinced in what I’m saying that [Roberto De Zerbi] is one of the most influential managers in the last 20 years,” he said. “There is no team that plays the way they play, it’s unique.
“I had the feeling that when he arrived I had an idea the impact he would have on the Premier League would be great but I couldn’t expect him to do it in such a short time.
“They create on average 20-25 chances per game. They monopolise the ball in a way that hasn’t been seen for a long time. Everybody is involved – the goalkeeper is like a holding midfielder.”
De Zerbi, however, departed from Brighton the next year by mutual consent after two seasons in the Premier League.
Not long after, he assumed the role of manager at Ligue 1 side Marseille, agreeing to a three-year contract with the French club.
Still, with Guardiola anticipated to stay at Manchester City for the time being, there’s a good chance that the opportunity for De Zerbi to make a return to the Premier League could arise in the future.
