Next Man City manager theory emerges from ex-player – 'Relationship can play a part'

Manchester City could be lining Xabi Alonso up as Pep Guardiola's replacement, according to ex-City ace Costel Pantilimon.

With Guardiola's contract set to expire next year and the Spaniard showing little urgency to sort out his future, speculation is swirling over who might step into his shoes. Bayer Leverkusen manager Alonso, who played under Guardiola at Bayern Munich, has been mooted as a possible successor. However, he is in demand after the stellar 'Invincibles' campaign he oversaw at the BayArena last season.

The former Real Madrid midfielder was Liverpool's top choice to replace Jurgen Klopp in the summer but ultimately chose to stay put at Leverkusen. However, Pantilimon reckons City might have what it takes to nab him, particularly if Guardiola decides to lay some of the groundwork.

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"I would really like to see Xabi Alonso take over from [Guardiola]. I've heard so many good things about this guy. So many good things," Pantilimon, 37, said, speaking at the launch of Ladbrokes' Gaffer of all Accas.

"Xabi knows the league, he's got some great experience now, having managed in Spain, and winning the title in Germany with Bayer Leverkusen, without losing a game. He's done a fantastic job over there - he could be an option, for sure.

"Especially when you remember he's worked with Pep Guardiola before, at Bayern, and so that relationship might play a part in things when it comes to Guardiola's replacement."

Guardiola may still decide to extend his City contract, and it's understood club insiders are confident of tying him down, particularly after Thomas Tuchel was hired as England boss - a position Guardiola was heavily linked with.

City are pushing him for a decision and want Pep's future resolved sooner rather than later to plan for the 2025/26 campaign. Other than Alonso, Sporting's Ruben Amorim, ex-City defender Vincent Kompany - currently in charge of Bayern Munich - and Girona's Michel have been cited as potential replacements.

Alonso's Leverkusen haven't quite been living up to the frightening standards they set for themselves last season. They were beaten in their second Bundesliga fixture of the campaign, having waited until the season's final game to taste defeat in 23/24.

That said, they're just three points behind league-leaders Bayern, with four victories from their opening seven matches. Pantilimon spent three years at the Etihad Stadium as a player. The Romanian goalkeeper, famed for his massive 6ft 8in frame, initially joined the club on loan from Politehnica Timisoara in 2011 before making the move permanent in 2012.

He went on to play 29 times for the Citizens, having spent the majority of his spell as understudy to first-choice goalkeeper Joe Hart. He was sold to Sunderland in 2014, and later played for the likes of Watford and Nottingham Forest before retiring in 2021.

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