It seems like an open secret that no matter what happens between now and the end of season, that Pep Guardiola will takeover the manager’s position at Manchester City this summer.

The Spaniard confirmed over the festive period that he will be leaving Bayern Munich in May and is looking to manage in the English Premier League.

Guardiola has since stated that he will wait for the right offer and that might not be in the summer.

That hasn’t quelled the speculation, with many believing he rushed into confirming his plans and is now backtracking to help ease pressure off current managers in England.

Man City seems like the ideal destination for the former Barcelona boss. They have a strong squad, plenty of ambition and money to bring in any type of player that Pep asks for.

Obviously Manchester rivals United could also be on the lookout for a new gaffer in the summer. But that job would consist of a bigger rebuilding job.

Chelsea have recently sacked Jose Mourinho and need a permanent replacement. But after seeing Jose ruthlessly sacked after his players downed tools, would Guardiola fancy a long term future at Stamford Bridge?

Obviously City have a fine manager already at the Etihad in Manuel Pellegrini.

The Chilean has been great for City and deserves a lot of credit for his work with the club. But he isn’t the global world class name that the Man City owners have always wanted at the clubs helm.

His reaction to the speculation concerning his position has been quite revealing. He’s taken it all in his stride and stated he wont talk about his role at City until the end of the season. It’s almost as if he has been told that if Pep Guardiola were to become available then he’d take over the Citizens.

So let’s say that that is indeed case and that Pep to Man City is a done deal. Could that deal cost City the Premier League title this year?

Players who know that their current boss is leaving can end up slacking or become distracted. I’d like to think that the current crop of players who play in Sky Blue are better than that and have too much respect for Pellegrini not to give him their all.

But one major problem could be the club’s January transfer strategy.

Personally I think that City could do with adding another striker and centre-back to the pool.

In Sergio Aguero they probably have the best striker in the league but the Argentine hitman has always been susceptible to injuries, especially to his hamstrings.

Second striker Wilfried Bony has struggled with life at a top four club and hasn’t been prolific enough since his £28m move. The Ivorian has also had a few injuries during this campaign.

Youngster Kelechi Iheanacho has plenty of potential but I doubt he’s ready to play a big part in a championship winning team.

So I’d imagine that in an ideal world a new frontman would be brought in to help with the big push for the title.

In the defensive department, Vincent Kompany’s constant injury troubles this season has certainly hampered his sides league chances.

Listen is quite simple Man City play better with Kompany in the team and leading from the back.

Big summer buy Nicolas Otamendi has been a fine signing but has often been let down by those beside him when Kompany’s been out on the treatment table.

Frenchman Eliaquim Mangala started the season well but has once again failed to show the consistency required at a top team at this level. Whereas Martin Demichelis’ best years are now behind him.

Now if you could guarantee that Kompany and Aguero stayed fit for the rest of the season then City would be my favourites for the league title.

But the problem City now have (If Pep’s deal is already done) is that they will be very reluctant to go into the market in this window.

They’ll want to give the new man carte blanche to bring in his main targets in the summer. Would they really be keen to go out and buy an expensive forward or defender in this window without his say so? I doubt he’ll dishonour his Bayern contract to discuss targets with City at this moment.

By waiting they may see title rivals Arsenal bring in more quality that makes them harder to catch.

With all that said maybe history will repeat itself and do Manchester City a favour.

Back in January 2013 it was announced that Pep Guardiola would takeover at Bayern Munich in the following summer.

Bayern’s then manager Jupp Heynckes didn’t let the speculation get to him or his players and they went on to win an unprecedented treble that consisted of the German Cup, the Bundesliga and the Champions League.

I am sure Manuel Pellegrini, City’s owners and fans would love a similar outcome!

Posted on January 15th, 2016 by scott
Filed under: Article