Manchester City fans are hoping that they will soon know Pep Guardiola’s decision on his future.
The Spaniard’s current contract is up at the end of the season and as things currently stand, he will leave after nine years.
But the club is obviously hopeful that he’ll extend, having ushered in the most successful period in the club’s history at the Etihad Stadium.
It was claimed earlier this year that Manchester City wanted to know Guardiola’s decision by Christmas, so fans may not have much longer to wait if that is accurate.
But for now, City still don’t know what Guardiola wants to do – and a report has suggested what the club is doing while they wait for an answer.
Man City making contingency plans amid Pep Guardiola uncertainty, ‘due diligence’ on Xabi Alonso
ESPN have produced an intriguing report today about Manchester City, Pep Guardiola and the current situation regarding his future.
They make it clear that, at the moment, the club do not know what Guardiola wants to do, because he himself still isn’t sure, despite several suggestions publicly that he’d be happy to extend.
This is also despite claims in recent days that an extension is ‘99% done’.
ESPN claim that while the club waits on Guardiola, they are drawing up contingency plans and looking at potential successors.
| Pep Guardiola at Manchester City (2016-present) |
| Games managed – 490 |
| Wins – 360 |
| Draws – 60 |
| Losses – 70 |
| Goals scored – 1239 |
| Goals conceded – 446 |
| Trophies won – 18 |
The club is doing ‘due diligence’ on several people, including highly rated Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso.
Alonso is seen as one of the best young managers in the world and has done a remarkable job with the Bundesliga outfit, delivering the league and couple double last season and losing just one game – the Europe League final to Atalanta.
Last week, it was claimed Xabi Alonso is set to leave Bayer Leverkusen at the end of the season, which may well have alerted City officials.
Guardiola uncertainty could be affecting the players
The sooner Guardiola makes a decision on what he wants to do, the better.
It’s understandable though that he’s still unsure. He clearly loves being Manchester City manager and the idea of doing 10 years probably appeals.
| Position | Team | Played MP | Won W | Drawn D | Lost L | For GF | Against GA | Diff GD | Points Pts |
| 1 |  LiverpoolLiverpool | 11 | 9 | 1 | 1 | 21 | 6 | 15 | 28 |
| 2 |  Man CityManchester City | 11 | 7 | 2 | 2 | 22 | 13 | 9 | 23 |
| 3 |  ChelseaChelsea | 11 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 21 | 13 | 8 | 19 |
| 4 |  ArsenalArsenal | 11 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 18 | 12 | 6 | 19 |
| 5 |  Nottm ForestNottingham Forest | 11 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 15 | 10 | 5 | 19 |
| 6 |  BrightonBrighton | 11 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 19 | 15 | 4 | 19 |
But his current deal expires next year and he might decide to walk away if there’s a satisfying end to the season.
Understandably though, the club want a definitive answer much sooner than then. And the players probably do too.
The situation can’t be too helpful for them, with some probably waiting to see what Guardiola does before making decisions on their own futures.
