Report: Man City’s Latest Moves Could Shape Pep’s Future Plans | OneFootball

Inside Manchester City’s Transformative Period: What It Means for Pep Guardiola’s Future

Manchester City has been thrust into the spotlight once again, but this time it’s not just about their stellar performances on the pitch. Major behind-the-scenes developments are underway, and they could potentially shape the club’s future trajectory, especially with regards to Pep Guardiola’s long-term plans. As The Athletic recently reported, the impending departure of key figures like Txiki Begiristain, and the hiring of new personnel, indicate a time of change. But what does this all mean for the blue half of Manchester?

Hugo Viana’s Arrival and Begiristain’s Departure: A Natural Transition

It was recently announced that Txiki Begiristain, Manchester City’s esteemed director of football, will step down at the end of this season. In his place, Hugo Viana, a 41-year-old Portuguese director, will be stepping into the role. This move may seem sudden, but it has been years in the making.

Photo IMAGO

Begiristain was appointed in 2013, a year that now feels like ancient history in football terms. He was tasked with setting up structures that would appeal to Pep Guardiola, eventually bringing him to Manchester in 2016. With Guardiola at the helm and Begiristain’s meticulous management in the background, City went on to achieve incredible success, notably last season’s historic treble.

But, as The Athletic points out, Begiristain had long harboured plans to move aside. His original intent was to leave after Guardiola’s early years at City, but the team’s success kept him in place longer than he intended. He and his wife, Mara Armendaritz, are keen to return to Spain, splitting their time between San Sebastian and Premia de Dalt. The Champions League triumph in June marked the pinnacle of what Begiristain set out to achieve, and he is now ready to pass the baton to Viana.

Viana, previously at Sporting Lisbon, has already started getting acquainted with the City structure. According to The Athletic, those familiar with him say he shares many of Begiristain’s qualities, particularly in working away from the limelight. But this change inevitably leads to one of the most pressing questions: what does it mean for Pep Guardiola’s future?

Photo IMAGO

Pep Guardiola’s Future: Uncertainty Lingers, but Hints of a Stay Emerge

As City fans digest the behind-the-scenes reshuffles, attention naturally turns to Pep Guardiola and whether he will extend his stay at the Etihad. His current contract runs until the summer of 2024, and rumours surrounding his potential departure have swirled for months. A fresh rumour even linked him with the England managerial role earlier this week. However, as The Athletic noted, that position quickly went to Thomas Tuchel.

In recent days, whispers have surfaced that Guardiola may be considering staying at City for another year. This would align with Guardiola’s current mindset, as sources close to the club suggest that the Catalan manager is not in a rush to leave. Although City are actively preparing for the possibility of life after Guardiola, with names like Ruben Amorim and Xabi Alonso featuring in discussions, the prevailing hope is that Pep signs an extension.

Photo: IMAGO

The Athletic reported that Guardiola might want to stay out of a sense of loyalty to the club, especially if City were to face any penalties as a result of the 115 charges of financial misconduct. In that case, sources believe that Guardiola’s defiant spirit would keep him at the club, as he would feel compelled to help the team navigate such turbulence.

“Sources who know Guardiola believe that if City were to be found guilty and severely punished, it would make it more likely he would sign an extension,” the report states. This suggests that Guardiola’s decision is less about escaping potential consequences and more about the hunger of his players and the ambition of the hierarchy above him.

City’s Succession Planning: A Well-Oiled Machine

The developments at City reflect an organisation that thrives on long-term thinking and meticulous planning. The replacement of Begiristain by Viana is part of a broader strategy, one that extends across both the football and business sides of the club.

Succession planning is not a new concept for City. As The Athletic highlights, the club has consistently ensured that its coaching staff and squad are built with future-proofing in mind. Take the example of former under-23s coach Enzo Maresca, now part of Guardiola’s first-team staff, or the long-term succession plan involving players like Rico Lewis stepping in for Kyle Walker, or Phil Foden taking the reins from Kevin De Bruyne.

Even the club’s recruitment strategy mirrors this forward-thinking approach. In recent seasons, City has prioritised younger signings, including players like Erling Haaland (21), Josko Gvardiol (21), and Jeremy Doku (21). This is not a club scrambling for short-term fixes but rather building for sustained success over the next decade.

Photo: IMAGO

On the business side, the club has taken steps to streamline operations, hiring new staff and adapting roles to ensure smooth transitions when key figures depart. One notable example is Omar Berrada’s departure for Manchester United earlier this year. While losing a highly regarded figure like Berrada could have been disruptive, City has not even sought a direct replacement, opting instead to delegate his responsibilities among existing staff. It is indicative of a club that is always prepared for change.

Premier League Charges: An Ongoing Shadow

Of course, no discussion about City’s future can ignore the elephant in the room – the 115 charges of financial misconduct that the club is currently facing. A verdict is expected before the end of the year, and the outcome could have far-reaching consequences.

Interestingly, despite the gravity of these charges, the situation has not seemed to impact City’s day-to-day operations. New signings do not have clauses related to relegation in their contracts, and the charges rarely come up in negotiations. As The Athletic reported, the players and staff were told to get on with their jobs when the charges were first announced 18 months ago.

In the context of Guardiola’s potential contract extension, the charges appear to play a minor role in his decision-making. City insiders remain confident in their stance, maintaining that the club will weather the storm regardless of the outcome. As The Athletic states, “the stance within City continues to be one of confidence.”

Photo: IMAGO

Nevertheless, should City be found guilty, the impact would weigh more heavily on the business side of the club than on the footballing operation. While the first team has been assured that everything will be fine, those dealing with financial and legal matters are much closer to the heart of the issue.

City’s Future: Full Steam Ahead?

Despite the looming uncertainty surrounding the Premier League charges and potential changes in the managerial and executive staff, Manchester City remains a club driven by confidence and meticulous planning. From the seamless succession of directors to the strategic recruitment of players and coaches, every aspect of City’s operation is built with the future in mind.

As The Athletic highlights, Guardiola’s decision to stay or go will likely hinge on the hunger of his players and the continued ambition of the club’s hierarchy. Whether Pep stays for another season or moves on to pastures new, City’s well-oiled machine will keep on turning.

As the club prepares for a potentially tumultuous period, with financial charges hanging over their heads, it’s clear that their focus remains on sustained success. And with figures like Hugo Viana stepping into key roles, City fans can be reassured that their club is in safe hands, no matter what the future holds.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

The recent changes, including the arrival of Hugo Viana, are a natural evolution. City supporters are well aware that the club has always been proactive rather than reactive, and the departure of Txiki Begiristain is seen as a necessary step to keep the wheels turning smoothly.

For many City fans, the question of Guardiola’s future looms large. While there is understandable anxiety about the potential departure of one of the best managers in football history, the fact that Guardiola is even contemplating an extension is cause for optimism. A one-year extension would allow City to continue their dominance while giving the club more time to ensure a smooth managerial transition.

With financial charges casting a shadow, fans are watching closely. However, City’s approach – calm, confident, and prepared – resonates with supporters who have grown accustomed to seeing their club handle adversity with grace. Regardless of the outcome, City fans believe in the club’s structures and are confident that the team will continue to thrive on and off the pitch.