Out-of-work Premier League manager spotted as surprise guest at Manchester City open training session | OneFootball

Manchester City welcomed a currently out-of-work Premier League manager to their training base this week, spotted watching an open training session hosted by the club.

The sighting comes during a period of transition at the Etihad Stadium, as Pep Guardiola and his backroom staff continue their preparations for the 2025/26 season with new faces both on and off the pitch.

While the visit of a former top-flight head coach may raise eyebrows, it adds to the intrigue surrounding Manchester City’s evolving setup – particularly following the arrivals of Pep Lijnders and Kolo Toure to Guardiola’s coaching staff this summer.

Manchester City have hosted a number of high-profile observers and guests over the years at the City Football Academy, from fellow managers to coaching figures from across Europe. With the club often praised for its technical training sessions and tactical innovation under Guardiola, it is no surprise that others in the industry seek a closer look at their operation.

The open training session this week offered supporters insight into the men’s and women’s squads, as well as opportunities to hear from new signings, but alongside the buzz from fans and media in attendance, one unexpected figure caught the attention of viewers.

Eagle-eyed viewers watching Manchester City’s Men’s first-team open training session this week noticed former Bournemouth and Wolves manager Gary O’Neil pitchside watching Pep Guardiola’s squad go through their paces.

At present, the nature of O’Neil’s visit remains unknown.

The 42-year-old, who was dismissed by Wolverhampton Wanderers in December 2024, remains a respected figure in the English game after an impressive stint in charge at Molineux. Despite limited resources, he led Wolves to an impressive 14th place finish and the quarter finals of the FA Cup.

While there is currently no suggestion of a formal link between Gary O’Neil and City, his presence at the club’s training base could be significant. Whether the visit was a case of professional curiosity, a personal invitation, or an exploratory meeting regarding future opportunities remains to be seen.