From Germany: Manchester City to make major managerial appointment based off Pep Guardiola factor | OneFootball

Manchester City are set to appoint Oliver Reiss as head coach of the Under-18s at the City Football Academy.

Manchester City’s first-team clinched a fourth consecutive Premier League title last month, alongside winning both the FIFA Club World Cup and UEFA Super Cup during another historic campaign for Pep Guardiola’s side.

Silverware success was also enjoyed elsewhere at the club, with Manchester City’s Under-18s winning the FA Youth Cup at the Etihad Stadium in May, convincingly beating Leeds United 4-0 in the final.

Manchester City’s Under-18s lifted the trophy after a glittering display, as four second-half goals from Justin Oboavwoduo, Jaden Heskey, Stephen Mfuni and Matty Warhurst secured a resounding victory.

The Under-18 side also reached the Premier League Cup Final during the recent campaign, but suffered a 2-1 defeat to local rivals Manchester United at Leigh Sports Village.

Manchester City have won the U18s Premier League Cup twice in the past six years, with Ben Wilkinson having managed the academy squad since 2020.

Manchester City are set for a major managerial change at the City Football Academy this summer however, with Oliver Reiss set to be appointed as the new Under-18s boss at the club, according to Florian Plettenberg.

The 41-year-old will depart Hertha BSC after 17 years to take charge of the Blues’ academy outfit from next season, after Reiss rejected offers from RSC Anderlecht and Hertha BSC to become a first-team assistant coach.

The German manager, who has overseen 57 matches with Hertha Under-19s since being appointed manager in 2022, has also previously coached at an Under-17s level.

Reiss ‘consciously’ has chosen to move to Manchester City, with Etihad bosses ‘pushing’ to sign the 41-year-old due to his stylistic similarities to Guardiola.

Manchester City could be forced into a new first-team managerial appointment in 2025, with Guardiola out of contract at the Etihad Stadium at the end of the upcoming 2024/25 campaign.