Man City choose between Maresca and Kompany with Guardiola expected to leave

The feeling around Manchester City right now is very strange, very tense, and full of quiet questions that nobody inside the club wants to answer loudly. For many years, everything has been stable, powerful, and almost perfect. Trophies kept coming, records kept breaking, and the team became one of the most feared in world football. But now, something is changing. Something big is coming. And everyone can feel it.

At the center of everything is Pep Guardiola, the man who transformed Manchester City into a football machine. For nearly a decade, he has been the brain, the voice, and the identity of the club. His style, his ideas, and his obsession with perfection made City what they are today. But now, there is one problem that cannot be ignored anymore — his future.

Pep Guardiola has just one year left on his current contract. That alone is enough to make fans nervous. But what is even more worrying is the growing belief inside the club that he might leave soon. Not immediately, not suddenly, but possibly at the end of the season. And when a manager like Guardiola leaves, it is not just a normal change. It is the end of an era.

Inside the club, they are not waiting for the shock to happen. They are preparing. Quietly, carefully, and very seriously.

The man leading that preparation is Hugo Viana. Since arriving, he has been working behind the scenes, studying, planning, and thinking about the future. His job is not just about signing players or managing contracts. His biggest responsibility now is clear — find the next manager who can continue what Guardiola started.

And that is not an easy task.

Replacing Pep Guardiola is like trying to replace a legend while the story is still being written. Whoever comes next will not only be compared to him but will also be expected to win immediately, play beautiful football, and keep the club at the top. One wrong decision could destroy everything that has been built.

That is why the process has been very detailed. Many names were considered. Many options were discussed. But slowly, the list became shorter. And now, two names have clearly stood out above the rest.

The first name is Enzo Maresca. The second is Vincent Kompany.

Both men have strong connections to Manchester City. Both understand the club. Both have shown promise in their managerial careers. But only one can take the job if Guardiola leaves.

At first, it looked like a difficult choice. Kompany is a club legend. A former captain. A leader who gave everything for the team. Fans love him, and many believe his return as manager is just a matter of time. Right now, he is doing important work at Bayern Munich, gaining experience at the highest level.

But there is a problem. This summer might come too soon for him.

Reports suggest that Kompany is happy where he is. He is building something, learning, and growing. Leaving now might not be the right step in his career. Even inside Manchester City, there is a feeling that his return will happen one day — but not yet. Not this summer.

That leaves Enzo Maresca.

And suddenly, everything becomes clearer.

Maresca is now seen as the leading candidate. The man most likely to take over if Guardiola decides to walk away. This is not just a random choice. It is based on deep understanding, careful planning, and strong belief.

Maresca knows Manchester City. He has worked within the system before. He understands how the club plays, how the players think, and what is expected every single day. This is very important. City do not want a complete change. They want continuity. They want someone who can continue the philosophy, not destroy it.

His style of football is also very similar to Guardiola’s. Possession-based, intelligent, patient, and controlled. He believes in building from the back, controlling the midfield, and creating chances through smart movement. These are the same principles that made City successful.

But there is more.

One big concern in situations like this is always contracts. Can the manager leave his current job? Are there complications? Will there be negotiations? In Maresca’s case, the answer is simple — he is free.

His camp has made it clear that there are no issues. No hidden problems. No ties holding him back. If Manchester City call, he can accept. That makes everything easier.

Inside the club, the talks are serious. This is not just planning on paper. This is not just ideas in meetings. Real steps are being taken. Real decisions are being prepared.

Even insiders like Graeme Bailey have confirmed that this situation is very real. According to him, Manchester City are not treating this lightly. They believe Guardiola could leave, and they want to be ready.

The message is simple — no surprises.

If Pep stays, everything continues as normal. If he leaves, the next manager must be ready immediately. No panic. No confusion. Just a smooth transition.

But even with all this planning, there is still emotion involved.

Because Pep Guardiola is not just a manager. He is the symbol of Manchester City’s greatest period in history. Under him, the club reached levels that once looked impossible. Domestic dominance. European success. Beautiful football. Everything came together.

Replacing him is not just about tactics. It is about identity.

And that is where the real pressure comes in.

If Maresca takes the job, he will walk into a dressing room full of stars. Players who are used to winning. Players who understand Guardiola’s system perfectly. Players who expect excellence every single day.

He will have to prove himself immediately.

He will have to show that he can lead.

He will have to show that he is not just a replacement, but a continuation of greatness.

And that is not easy.

Fans will watch every game closely. Every decision will be judged. Every result will be compared to what Guardiola achieved. Even one small mistake could create doubts.

But at the same time, there is excitement.

Because new eras bring new energy.

Maresca represents a new chapter. A chance to continue the story in a slightly different way. A chance to build on what already exists and maybe even improve it.

Inside Manchester City, they believe he has the ability.

They believe he understands the club.

They believe he can handle the pressure.

But football is unpredictable.

Everything depends on Guardiola.

As long as he has not made a final decision, nothing is certain. He could decide to stay. He could sign a new contract. He could choose to continue building this team for more years.

Or he could decide that the time has come to rest, to step away, and to start a new chapter in his life.

If that happens, the plan is ready.

Hugo Viana has done his work.

The shortlist has been created.

The preferred choice has been identified.

And Enzo Maresca is waiting.

Not publicly. Not loudly. But quietly, in the background, ready for the call that could change his life forever.

Meanwhile, Vincent Kompany remains part of the future story. Even if he does not return now, the belief inside the club is strong. One day, he will come back. One day, he will lead the team he once captained with pride and passion.

But for now, the focus is clear.

Prepare for change.

Protect the legacy.

And make sure that when the moment comes, Manchester City do not fall.

Because in football, the hardest thing is not reaching the top.

The hardest thing is staying there.

And that is the challenge that lies ahead.

The Guardiola era may be coming to an end.

But Manchester City are already writing the next chapter.