Pep Guardiola Leaves Manchester City, Will Maresca or Kompany Become His Replacement?

Pep Guardiola's decision to leave Manchester City at the end of the 2025/26 season opens a new chapter for The Citizens. After a full decade of success with 20 total trophies won, the manager's seat at Etihad Stadium is now one of the most prestigious yet most difficult positions in European Football.

Enzo Maresca has emerged as the strongest candidate to replace Guardiola. The Italian manager is currently out of work following his sacking from Chelsea. Maresca's existing close ties with Manchester City leave his path to the role wide open.

Maresca is no stranger to the club's internal structure. He previously worked as part of Guardiola's coaching staff, and fully understands the playing philosophy that has built Manchester City's dominance in both England and Europe.

With this background, Maresca is viewed as a realistic candidate to carry forward the major legacy project left by Guardiola.

His possession-focused playing style and structured build-up play are considered perfectly aligned with the identity Manchester City has established over recent years.

However, amid strong support for Maresca, another name has come forward that carries far deeper emotional connection with both the club and its fans: Vincent Kompany.

The Belgian legend is currently enjoying a successful tenure in charge of Bayern Munich. Alongside his proven coaching experience, Kompany holds an intimate understanding of Manchester City's culture after 11 years representing the club, including a long spell as team captain.

Former City defender Micah Richards has argued that this emotional factor will be critical for anyone stepping in to replace Guardiola.

"I feel like whoever replaces Pep has to start out as someone the supporters already love," Richards told the BBC.

Richards then drew parallels with previous high-profile Premier League managerial transitions that failed to meet expectations.

"David Moyes did not have that when he took over from Fergie [Sir Alex Ferguson] at Manchester United. Neither did Unai Emery when he replaced Arsene Wenger at Arsenal," he stated.

According to Richards, this emotional goodwill from fans will act as a vital foundation for the new coach, who will face enormous pressure taking over from a legendary figure.

"What happened to both those men proves you need that love when you take over from a legend. It buys you time when mistakes happen along the way," he explained.

Richards is convinced Kompany holds every element required to succeed at the Etihad Stadium. Alongside being adored by fans, the attacking playing style he implements matches perfectly with Manchester City's identity under Guardiola.

"Vinnie ticks all those boxes, and he also plays that attacking football that City supporters will embrace. Maresca is a very good manager, but I think Vinnie would be perfect," he concluded.

As of now, Manchester City have not yet announced who will officially replace Guardiola. One thing is certain however: whoever takes the role will face exceptionally high expectations.