With all the doubt surrounding ‘s continuation at Manchester City, we look at the two candidates most likely to fill that role.

As far as we know, Guardiola does not necessarily want to leave City at the end of the season. The Premier League will decide.

Pep’s lingering decision or indecision relies on the club’s potential demotion from the Premier League due to Financial Fair Play rules. The conclusion will undoubtedly affect the future of players like , who’s been linked with a sensational move to Barcelona.

“Let’s see on my future,” Guardiola told the Italian TV show Che Tempo Che. “I still need to reflect and decide what I want to do.”

Some believe that’s why long-time Pep confidant and Manchester City’s director of football Txiki Begiristain is leaving at the end of the season. Interestingly, Sporting Lisbon’s Director of Football, Hugh Viana, has been hired to replace him.

Ruben Amorim

Viana’s new role could hint at City’s next boss and Guardiola’s replacement: Ruben Amorim.

Ruben Amorim has transformed Sporting Lisbon in the last three seasons. The 39-year-old has already won two Premeira Liga titles at Lisbon after the club’s 20-year drought. He’s working on his third consecutive title.

Amorim’s magical touch made him the likely candidate to replace Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool last season. A struggling Manchester United is now heavily linked with the Portuguese manager, with Erik Ten Hag’s job on shaky ground. Be sure City won’t let their contingency plan ink a deal with the Red Devils before Christmas.

City seems Amorim’s likeliest destination, as he’s set to follow close friend and former Braga teammate Hugh Viana. After all, Viana gave inexperienced Amorim a shot at Sporting Lisbon. Amorim, however, downplayed the possibility in an interview with Cabine Desportiva.

“Hugo Viana and I, we have different and separate paths,” said Amorim.

“His appointment doesn’t mean that I’m going to Manchester City. We just have a very professional relationship, which will not last forever.”

“Nothing about Sporting has changed,” Amorim reassured. “Nothing. Everything remains the same until the end of the season,’ he added.

Xabi Alonso is the other likely candidate tipped to replace Guardiola should the vacancy arrive. The Spaniard led Bayern Leverkusen to their first Bundesliga title last season.

He’s also one of Guardiola’s former players at Bayern Munich, and like his compatriot, he inspires and improves younger players.

But can he win the treble like Guardiola did at City? He already could’ve been part of the ride.
Alonso nearly joined Guardiola’s coaching staff when Mikel Arteta left for Arsenal.

Next season, Alonso might have the chance to do it all on his own.