Man City has always been quite comfortable with Pep Guardiola's future. Clearly, they want the most successful coach in club history to stay as long as possible, but they also understand that he is not the type of person who will follow Alex Ferguson or Arsene Wenger and lead a team for more than 20 years.
The Citizens often feel secure thanks to their close relationship with Guardiola. This makes the board believe that whenever that time comes, he will give them enough time to select a successor thoughtfully, instead of letting the club fall into a passive state.
It is noteworthy that during the period when Enzo Maresca and Chelsea's relationship broke down in December and January, some sources from Chelsea revealed that Maresca - a former member of Guardiola's coaching staff - had negotiated with Man City. Etihad side recorded information from Stamford Bridge, but the important thing is that they also did not make official denials as clubs often do to suppress rumors.
Usually, uncertainty about the manager will cause problems in the transfer market, because one of the first things players want to know is who will lead the team. But those questions did not prevent Man City from signing Semenyo and Marc Guehi in January, and the club even wanted to emphasize that.
Man City's internal views are that the top 2 Premier League players, who are at the peak of their careers, have chosen to move to Etihad despite the interest from most other big clubs in Europe and despite the possibility of Guardiola leaving.
Working with Guardiola has long been a major attraction for newcomers, and this is a notable change in the message. Instead of avoiding, Man City seems to want to show that uncertainty does not weaken them in the transfer market.
If Guardiola decides to terminate the contract at the end of the season, Man City believes they will be ready. They have overcome the departure of Football Director Txiki Begiristain, CEO Omar Berrada and Football Transaction Director Rafi Moersen recently, as well as the separation of a series of key players.
Leaving Guardiola will certainly be much more difficult. But according to reliable sources, it is not impossible, although everyone understands that this is the biggest shock in terms of expertise and symbolism. The lesson on the other side of Manchester is still there. Manchester United has been shaken for many years since their legendary coach left.
Man City also feels more comfortable with the time when they can change coaches this summer compared to 12 months ago. At that time, the popular view was that trying to appoint a new coach in a summer that was already complicated due to the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup would be overwhelming.
Guardiola once said that he is not good at long-term consideration. He makes quick decisions based on instinct and emotion, and it is very likely that he will be affected by the results from now until the end of the season.
Currently, Guardiola is still silent. But that silence also means that rumors will continue to spread until there is a clear statement to close all controversies.
