Pep Guardiola has built a legacy at Manchester City that many people once believed could never be touched. For years, he turned the club into a winning machine, changing English football with his ideas, his obsession with control, and his belief that the ball should always belong to his team. But football never stands still, and even the greatest managers eventually face moments when doubts begin to grow. That moment now seems to be hovering over the Etihad Stadium, as uncertainty surrounds Guardiolaâs future and new names begin to appear as possible successors. Among all those names, one stands out clearly above the rest, and it is a man who knows Guardiola better than almost anyone in football. That man is Luis Enrique.
The past season was unusual for Manchester City. For the first time in eight years, they finished a campaign without lifting a major trophy. For a club that had grown used to dominance, this felt like a shock. Supporters, pundits, and even former players began to ask questions. Was the team becoming tired of Guardiolaâs ideas? Had rivals finally caught up with Cityâs style of play? Or was this simply the natural cycle of football, where even the strongest sides eventually face a dip? Whatever the answer, the noise around Guardiolaâs future began to grow louder.
Guardiolaâs reputation remains enormous. He is one of the most successful managers in the history of the game, with league titles won in Spain, Germany, and England. His teams are known for their intelligence, their discipline, and their ability to suffocate opponents by controlling possession. Yet, in recent times, small cracks have started to show. Injuries, squad balance issues, and perhaps mental fatigue have all played a role. Manchester Cityâs slow start to the new season only added to the pressure, with reports suggesting that even someone as decorated as Guardiola was not immune to scrutiny.
In September, there were already whispers that Guardiola was feeling the heat. City were not performing at the level fans had come to expect, and rivals sensed weakness. Still, Guardiola did what he has always done. He responded with work, belief, and tactical adjustments. By December, City had fought their way back into the title race, reminding everyone why writing them off is usually a mistake. For a moment, it seemed like the storm had passed.
Then came another downturn. Heavy defeats to Manchester United and Bodo/Glimt sent shockwaves through the club and its fanbase. Losing is one thing, but the manner of those defeats raised alarm bells. City looked vulnerable, uncertain, and far from the ruthless side that once terrified Europe. The loss to Bodo/Glimt was especially painful, as it put their chances of finishing in the top eight of the Champions League league stage in serious danger. Supporters reacted angrily, and Guardiola found himself facing criticism rarely heard during his reign.
Behind the scenes, the situation appears even more serious. Sources close to the club have suggested that Guardiola could choose to walk away sooner than expected, despite having a contract that runs until 2027. The idea of Guardiola leaving Manchester City once felt unthinkable, but football has a way of changing narratives very quickly. If Guardiola does decide that his time at the Etihad is coming to an end, the club will need a replacement who understands not only elite football, but also the philosophy Guardiola has embedded into Cityâs identity.the
This is where Luis Enrique enters the conversation. Bookmakers have now installed him as the leading candidate to become the next permanent Manchester City manager. The odds reflect a growing belief that if Guardiola leaves, Enrique could be the man chosen to continue the project. This is not just about tactics or trophies. It is about trust, understanding, and shared football values.
Luis Enrique is not a stranger to pressure or success. His managerial career has taken him to some of the biggest stages in football. At Barcelona, he managed a team filled with superstars and led them to historic achievements. With the Spanish national team, he guided a new generation through a period of transition, sticking firmly to his principles even when critics questioned his choices. Since 2023, he has been in charge of Paris Saint-Germain, where expectations are always sky high.
Last season, Enrique achieved something PSG had chased for years. He led them to their first ever Champions League title. For a club often criticised for failing on the biggest stage, this was a moment of redemption. Enriqueâs calm authority, tactical clarity, and fearless approach played a huge role in that triumph. Winning the Champions League with PSG only strengthened his reputation as one of the top managers in the world.
Despite his success in France, the idea of Enrique moving on is not impossible. English football has never experienced him as a manager, and the challenge of the Premier League could be tempting. Manchester City, with their structure, resources, and footballing philosophy, would represent a natural fit. It is no surprise that one of the UKâs leading bookmakers has made him the 2/1 favourite to take over if Guardiola steps aside.
The relationship between Guardiola and Enrique adds another layer to this story. The two men go back many years. They were teammates at Barcelona between 1996 and 2001, sharing a dressing room during a period when the club was shaping its modern identity. They also represented the Spanish national team together, building a bond that went beyond football tactics. That shared history has created a deep mutual respect.
As managers, their paths have crossed several times. They have faced each other from the touchline on five occasions, each duel filled with intensity, respect, and a clear understanding of the otherâs ideas. The most recent meeting came in January 2025, when Enriqueâs PSG defeated Manchester City 4-2 on their way to winning the Champions League. That match was seen by many as a symbolic passing of the torch, even if Guardiola would never admit such a thing.
Before that game, Guardiola spoke openly about his admiration for Enrique. His words revealed just how highly he rates his friend. He spoke about loving everything about Enriqueâs teams and highlighted the famous Barcelona side that used a false nine as one of the best teams in football history. For Guardiola, Enrique is not just a colleague. He is someone who understands him deeply, both as a coach and as a person.
Guardiola also acknowledged the similarities between them. They share a style, a belief in possession, and an acceptance of criticism as part of the job. Guardiolaâs comments showed humility and honesty. He admitted that critics will always exist and that accepting criticism is simply part of life at the top. Above all, he described his relationship with Enrique as a friendship that will last forever, even when they disagree.
This friendship could play a key role in Manchester Cityâs future. If Guardiola decides to leave, either in the middle of the season or at its end, he may well have a say in who replaces him. Guardiolaâs influence within the club remains huge, and his opinion would carry serious weight with the board. Recommending Enrique would make sense on many levels, from football philosophy to personal trust.
However, convincing Enrique to leave PSG would not be easy. He is currently in a strong position, having delivered the ultimate prize to the Parisian club. PSG value him highly, and the project there is far from complete. Leaving after such success would be a bold decision, but Enrique has never been afraid of bold choices. Throughout his career, he has shown a willingness to take risks if he believes in the challenge ahead.
For Manchester City, the idea of Enrique as Guardiolaâs successor offers both continuity and freshness. He understands the style City play, but he would also bring his own personality and ideas. He is known for being demanding, direct, and emotionally invested in his teams. Players often speak about his honesty and his ability to create strong bonds within the squad. In a dressing room that may soon need renewal, those qualities could be vital.
The uncertainty surrounding Guardiolaâs future does not mean his legacy is fading. On the contrary, his achievements at Manchester City will define an era. But football clubs must always look ahead. Planning for the future is not a sign of disrespect; it is a sign of ambition. Cityâs decision-makers know that replacing Guardiola will be one of the biggest challenges they have ever faced.
Fans are divided. Some believe Guardiola deserves unlimited patience and trust, arguing that one trophyless season should not erase years of dominance. Others feel that change may be necessary to refresh the squad and the mindset. The defeats to Manchester United and Bodo/Glimt have intensified these debates, making every match feel like a referendum on Guardiolaâs reign.
As things stand, nothing is decided. Guardiola remains Manchester Cityâs manager, and his focus will be on turning results around and silencing doubts in the only way he knows how, by winning. Yet, the presence of Luis Enrique as the bookmakersâ favourite adds a sense of realism to the possibility of change. It is no longer just a rumour whispered in corners. It is a scenario being seriously considered.
The coming months will be crucial. If City recover their form, push strongly for honours, and show signs of their old dominance, Guardiolaâs position may once again feel secure. If struggles continue, the pressure will only increase. In football, timing is everything, and decisions are often made quickly when momentum is lost.
Luis Enrique, for his part, will continue his work at PSG, aware that his name is being linked with one of the biggest jobs in the game. Whether he is tempted by the Premier League or remains committed to his current project, only time will tell. What is clear is that his reputation has never been higher, and opportunities like Manchester City do not come around often.
This story is about more than just a possible managerial change. It is about cycles, friendships, philosophies, and the relentless nature of elite football. Guardiola and Enrique represent a generation of coaches shaped by Barcelonaâs ideals, men who believe in beauty, control, and courage. Seeing one possibly replace the other would feel both dramatic and strangely fitting.
For now, Manchester City stand at a crossroads. The shadow of uncertainty looms large, but so does the possibility of renewal. Whether Guardiola stays to write another chapter or passes the baton to an old friend, the next decision will shape the clubâs future for years to come. In that sense, the name Luis Enrique is not just a rumour. It is a symbol of continuity, ambition, and the never ending search for excellence at the very top of football.
