'Man City Already Have A Replacement For Pep'
Posted On: 21 Oct 2024
Manchester City have been advised to contemplate Xabi Alonso as a possible replacement for Pep Guardiola.
Guardiola's current contract will expire next summer, leading to increasing speculation about potential replacements. Alonso, who was previously coached by the City manager at Bayern Munich, has been recommended as a potential successor for the Bayer Leverkusen boss.
After his incredible season with the 'Invincibles' in Germany last year, he has been in great demand, having won the Bundesliga without experiencing any losses. Liverpool initially wanted the former Real Madrid midfielder to replace Jurgen Klopp in the summer, but he ultimately chose to remain at Leverkusen.
Costel Pantilimon, a former City goalkeeper, still thinks they have the potential to sign him, especially with Guardiola's assistance. During the launch of Ladbrokes' Gaffer of all Accas, he expressed his desire to see Xabi Alonso replace [Guardiola].
"I've received a lot of positive feedback about this man. There are numerous positive aspects. Xabi is familiar with the league, as he has gained valuable experience by coaching in Spain and winning the title in Germany with Bayer Leverkusen without experiencing any defeats.
"He has performed incredibly well in that position - he is definitely a potential choice." Given that he has previously collaborated with Pep Guardiola at Bayern Munich, it is worth noting that this connection could influence the decision about Guardiola's successor."
Guardiola is still considering extending his contract with City. Club executives are thought to be confident in accomplishing that goal, particularly following the appointment of Thomas Tuchel as the manager of England, a position he was heavily rumored to be connected to.
They are urging him to make a decision quickly and prioritize sorting out his future for the upcoming 2025/26 season. Additional possible substitutes listed are Ruben Amorim from Sporting, Vincent Kompany, a former City defender who is now the manager of Bayern Munich, and Michel from Girona.
Alonso's Leverkusen have not reached the same level of performance they achieved last season at this point. They experienced a loss in their second Bundesliga game, after having been defeated in the Europa League final last season.
Nevertheless, they lag just three points behind Bayern, who are currently at the top of the league, after securing four victories in their initial seven matches. Pantilimon, who played at the Etihad Stadium for three years, still believes in Alonso's skills.
The tall Romanian goalkeeper, standing at 6'8" in goal, first arrived at City on loan from Politehnica Timisoara in 2011, then signed a permanent deal in 2012. He made 29 appearances for the team, mainly acting as a substitute for the main goalkeeper Joe Hart, and later played for Sunderland, Watford, and Nottingham Forest before retiring in 2021.
