Pep Guardiola believes Manchester City have options to replace him but he might not help them choose who | OneFootball

Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola is of the belief that his current employers and the club’s hierarchy have their options as to who could replace him as manager.

Reports throughout the course of the international break have largely centred around what could come next for Manchester City and Pep Guardiola, both in the way of confirmed updates surrounding the club and rumours on the Catalan’s future.

Manchester City announced midway through the international break that Txiki Begiristain would be bringing an end to his 12-year stay at the Etihad Stadium at the end of the ongoing season, replaced by Sporting CP’s Hugo Viana.

Elsewhere and Guardiola was at the centre of reported interest from the Football Association and the formerly vacant England men’s national team job, which was ultimately taken by Thomas Tuchel in the week.

As such, it came as no surprise on Friday afternoon that much of the questions put to the 53-year-old centred around his intentions at Manchester City, and when the club could require a decision on his future.

Responding to that particular line of questioning, Pep Guardiola believes that Manchester City’s top decision makers will already have potential candidates lined up to replace his place as the club’s head coach, should he opt to leave the club at the end of the season.

“I’m pretty sure the Club have options when Txiki [Begiristain] should leave, and they have options when Pep will leave. Sooner or later it’s going to happen, and they are prepared. So it’s not going to be a surprise,” Guardiola said ahead of the weekend’s return to action.

“They know that I have to, every sporting director, or manager, or whatever, they have the chance and that’s why I’m here for many years, I want to be really, really convinced that it’s the best for the club.

“I will not delay every action knowing that I am creating a problem for the club. If I feel that it’s a problem right now, I would take a decision as quick as possible. But I don’t have that feeling, because they understand the reasons that I have, and that’s why Wolves is the priority.”

With Txiki Begiristain understood to have played a key role in deciding upon his own successor in the role of Director of Football, Pep Guardiola was asked whether he would have any input on Manchester City’s next manager.

“Of course for the relation we have, if they ask for my opinion, I will give my opinion. But this is not my job,” he insisted.

“The decision will be taken by them, not by me. It belongs to the Club, but if they want me opinion, I will give it to them. Like a friend, like people who share unbelievable moments together.

“But it has to be the club. It’s the best… I would say that the new sporting director, the moment that I’m not here anymore, he has to choose the new manager.”

But what could possibly sway Pep Guardiola to remain at the Etihad Stadium? The 53-year-old was not up for that particular conversation, instead saying, “The weather. I’m waiting for it to change, and after I will take a decision.”

Previous reports have insisted that Pep Guardiola’s relationship with Manchester City players could play a part in whether he decides to remain at the club or leave, and also the players’ response to his tactical visions.

For now, there is now sign of that breaking down, and as such Pep Guardiola and his all-conquering Manchester City squad are able to continue competing as they have done over the last seven seasons in particular.

Next up for Manchester City is a visit to Molineux, and the challenge of 20th-placed Wolverhampton Wanderers, with Gary O’Neil’s side still on the search for their first win of the new season.