After defeats in the Manchester Derby and against Bodo Glimt in the Champions League, Pep could be in trouble.
Manchester City find themselves at a rare crossroads under Pep Guardiola, with the club’s recent results raising serious questions about the future of one of football’s most successful managerial eras.
The defending Premier League champions have endured a shocking downturn in form since the start of 2026, failing to win any of their five league and Champions League matches this year.
This includes a 2-0 defeat to Manchester United in the second Manchester derby and a stunning 3-1 Champions League loss at Bodo/Glimt, a team who had reached last season’s Europa League semi-finals.
Guardiola, whose contract runs until 2027, has overseen a City side that has been decimated by injuries, suspensions, and player absences, leaving the squad “fragile,” as the Spaniard admitted after the Bodo/Glimt defeat.
City’s domestic record since January 1 shows draws against Sunderland, Chelsea, and Brighton, coupled with wins in only cup competitions against lower-league Exeter and Newcastle - a dramatic drop from the club’s usual standards.
Speculation over Guardiola’s future has intensified, with pundits such as Richard Keys suggesting he could leave at the end of the season, or potentially even sooner, despite the manager insisting he is happy at the Etihad.
The pressure is mounting for Guardiola to restore stability to a side that has dominated English football for much of the past decade.
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Pep Guardiola To Be Sacked Odds
Pep Guardiola is a best price of 10/1 (William Hill) and as short as 6/1 to be the next premier league manager to leave.
February promises a punishing schedule for Manchester City, with Premier League trips to Tottenham, Liverpool, and Leeds, a Carabao Cup semi-final leg, an FA Cup tie, and potential Champions League play-off matches against Galatasaray.
His side could potentially play nine matches in February.
With injuries and suspensions piling up, Guardiola faces a real test in managing a stretched squad.
Next Man City Manager Odds
| Manager | Odds |
|---|---|
| Luis Enrique | 2/1 |
| Enzo Maresca | 5/2 |
| Xabi Alonso | 5/1 |
| Oliver Glasner | 5/1 |
| Pep Lijnders | 8/1 |
Last Updated on 21/01/2026 at 10:00.
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Who are the favourites to be the next Man City Manager?
Luis Enrique (2/1)
PSG boss Luis Enrique tops the betting as the frontrunner (2/1 with BetVictor) to replace Pep Guardiola. One of only two managers in history to win the treble with two different clubs, Enrique achieved it at Barcelona and then repeated the feat with PSG last season, guiding them to their first-ever Champions League title. His contract at Parc des Princes runs until 2027, but reported tensions over an extension suggest he could be open to a Premier League challenge. Enrique’s experience following Guardiola at Barcelona, combined with his record of managing elite squads under intense pressure, makes him a logical successor at the Etihad.
Enzo Maresca (5/2)
Enzo Maresca has emerged as a leading contender following his departure from Chelsea, where he won the Conference League and Club World Cup but left after disagreements with the hierarchy. Having served as Guardiola’s assistant at Manchester City in 2022-23 and later leading Leicester back to the Premier League, Maresca knows the club’s playing philosophy inside out. At 45, he offers a blend of tactical continuity and the potential to grow into the role, making him a compelling option for a team seeking stability while maintaining Guardiola’s style.
Oliver Glasner (5/1)
Oliver Glasner’s stock has risen after announcing his departure from Crystal Palace, where he guided the Eagles to their first major trophy - a 1-0 FA Cup final win over Manchester City last May. The 51-year-old Austrian also secured a Community Shield victory over Liverpool and has Palace competing for European places despite limited resources. Known for his tactical flexibility and ability to develop attacking talent, Glasner represents a Premier League-proven option, though questions remain about his readiness to manage a squad chasing quadruples.
Xabi Alonso (5/1)
Xabi Alonso’s profile remains strong despite a brief stint at Real Madrid, which ended after 233 days due to player friction and difficulty implementing his tactical vision. The former midfielder impressed previously by leading Bayer Leverkusen to an unbeaten Bundesliga title, and his experience under Guardiola at Bayern Munich has shaped his possession-based, positional approach. At just 41, Alonso offers a young, highly-rated alternative for City, with the potential to bring fresh ideas while maintaining a style aligned with Guardiola’s principles.
