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Liverpool could face Pep Guardiola for the final time this weekend as they meet Manchester City in the FA Cup, with the Spaniard yet to decide his future.
Despite having a contract until 2027, Guardiola is expected to wait until the end of the season before making a decision, according to The Telegraph.
The City boss, who arrived in 2016, is approaching a decade at the club and has been linked with a move into international management, including the Brazil job.
Guardiola is the Premier League’s longest-serving manager by a considerable margin. Since the current ownership began, Manchester City have appointed only three managers – Roberto Mancini, Manuel Pellegrini and Guardiola.
Guardiola joined Manchester City in 2016 and, nearly a decade on, faces an uncertain future at the club. City remain in the Premier League title race, are in the FA Cup quarter-finals – where they face Liverpool this weekend – and recently won the Carabao Cup.
The club are prepared to give Guardiola time and will not pressure him, maintaining a strong relationship built on trust. However, uncertainty over his future complicates planning, with contingency options including Enzo Maresca, Xabi Alonso and Vincent Kompany.
Hugo Viana, City’s director of football, would lead the search for a new manager while also overseeing the club’s transfer strategy. However, uncertainty over the head coach could impact recruitment, with several targets likely to seek clarity before committing.
Manchester City are also facing contract issues, with key figures such as captain Bernardo Silva nearing the end of their deals. City face a potentially busy off-season, with the World Cup also set to impact planning.
Hugo Viana was appointed last year following the departure of Txiki Begiristain, a close ally of Pep Guardiola who played a key role in bringing him to the club.
Guardiola has previously joked that Begiristain’s exit gave him added reason to stay longer at City. If Guardiola departs, this weekend’s clash with Liverpool could be his final meeting with the Reds as City manager.
The 55-year-old has won 19 trophies at the Etihad Stadium, including six Premier League titles, and City prefer that he sees out his contract.
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