Man City chiefs draw up three-man shortlist to replace Pep Guardiola as next manager
Manchester City chiefs have drawn up a three to six-man shortlist for their ideal candidates to replace Pep Guardiola as the Citizens' manager, after the Spaniard decides to leave the club, with former Arsenal and City midfielder Patrick Vieira among those being considered.
Man City: ‘I like to be a crazy manager’ says Pep Guardiola
Manchester City chiefs Ferran Soriano and Txiki Begiristain have identified between three and six managers that could replace Pep Guardiola as the club's manager. Patrick Vieira is among those being considered for the Etihad hierarchy, having previously worked as the club's Under-23 boss.
Guardiola's reign as City manager will be a tough act to follow, having won six major trophies in three-and-a-half seasons.
The Spaniard's future in the north-west is constantly coming under speculation, with numerous links to Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain over recent years.
But, Guardiola is still contracted to City until at least the end of the 2020-2021 campaign.
City chiefs have already started to think about Guardiola's replacement, according to The Athletic.
Man City news: Next manager shortlist to replace Pep Guardiola includes Patrick Vieira (Image: GETTY Images)
Given Guardiola's unique philosophy, Soriano and Begiristain believe that there's only between three and six managers in world football that could succeed the Spaniard.
Vieira falls into that category, having adopted Guardiola-style tactics as a manager.
The former Arsenal, Inter Milan and City midfielder became the Citizens' Under-23 boss after hanging up his boots in 2013.
The Frenchman spent two-and-a-half years learning his coaching trade, before heading to New York City FC in 2015.
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Vieira guided NYCFC to new heights in the MLS. He took them from a 17th finish club, to a team that finished fourth the following campaign.
He's also working wonders at Nice in Ligue 1, and they're currently pushing for a Champions League qualification spot.
However, it's still not clear exactly when Guardiola will be leaving City.
After the Citizens were handed a two-year ban from European competitions by UEFA, speculation increased surrounding Guardiola's future.
Man City news: Guardiola's current contract expires at the end of the 2020-2021 season (Image: GETTY Images)
Man City: Guardiola says it's 'difficult' to keep winning titles
"Why should I leave? When I said I love this club I like to be here, why should I leave?
"No matter what happens I will be here next season."
Guardiola had previously talked about the possibility of extending his current contract at City.
He explained that he's going to sit down with chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak at the end of the season, or in the middle of next season, to discuss his contract.