The Spaniard has a contract at the Etihad Stadium until 2027, but according to The Telegraph, there is a growing feeling that this could be Guardiola's final season at the club. While Pep has honoured contracts in every club he has managed, the possibility of him leaving at the end of the season cannot be ruled out. The report claims that Man City are planning a three-man shortlist with former Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso leading the way.
Xabi Alonso was recently shown the door by Real Madrid, and he is already being linked with a return to management. Clubs like Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool are reportedly interested in him. The 44-year-old is regarded as one of the finest young managers in the game, and he could prove to be an excellent option for all three clubs. Alonso has also been linked with Tottenham Hotspur.
"Alonso parted ways with the LaLiga outfit by mutual agreement on Monday, just a day after their Supercopa de Espana defeat in Saudi Arabia to Clasico rivals Barcelona. The Spaniard was in charge for just seven months, taking the reins ahead of the Club World Cup last summer, and won 70.6% of his matches (P34 W24 D4 L6). Los Blancos are also second in LaLiga, four points behind Barca."
"I have a really good relationship with Xabi. We met in Leverkusen when I was the national coach and I stayed in contract. He's a fantastic coach, but it's football, we have to accept these things. He will get a new, next big project for him and also his team. As coaches, we have to continue, think about what we can do better,"
Indeed, it is Raphinha that the opposition coach sees as the most important player in Flick's team and he has reportedly asked his team to put more emphasis on marking and defending the Brazilian on the night. "For me, Raphinha is the best of them because he gives them many things, goals, assists, and that defensive work that is key," he reportedly told his dressing room ahead of the big game.
