Spanish manager ‘ready’ to take over Manchester City if Pep Guardiola leaves

Manchester City’s looming managerial crossroads has prompted Girona boss Michel Sánchez to declare himself prepared to step into the Etihad hot-seat should Pep Guardiola depart this summer. Guardiola, who is on course to complete a decade in charge of the Premier League giants, retains one further season on his existing contract, yet persistent speculation suggests the 2023-24 campaign could mark his English swansong.

Speaking to Feeberse, Michel – whose Girona side sit within the City Football Group umbrella – left little doubt about his appetite for the challenge. “I do see myself as ready, I see myself as ready to coach any team. I don’t know if they see it that way. Obviously, it’s not the same, but I have the ability to adapt and I want to experience it,” the 48-year-old said, as carried by MD.

Michel’s stock soared last term after guiding Girona to a historic third-place La Liga finish and a maiden Champions League berth. Those achievements reignited chatter inside the City hierarchy over his credentials as a long-term successor to Guardiola, though such discussions have cooled over the past 18 months amid structural changes at the club, most notably the exit of long-serving sporting director Txiki Begiristain.

City’s elimination from this season’s Champions League at the hands of Real Madrid has only intensified scrutiny on Guardiola’s future. While the Catalan insisted post-match that he possesses “more than enough energy to go back and do it again next season,” club sources expect him to evaluate his position after Sunday’s League Cup final against Arsenal.

The identity of Guardiola’s heir has already become a topic of vigorous debate. Former City assistant and current Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has reportedly held preliminary conversations with City sporting director Enzo Maresca, underlining the club’s desire to sketch out a contingency plan.

Michel, however, remains firmly in the frame. His intimate knowledge of the City Group’s methodology, gleaned through Girona’s collaborative relationship with the network, offers a seamless cultural fit, while his commitment to possession-based, high-intensity football mirrors the philosophy ingrained at the Etihad during Guardiola’s tenure.

Competition for Michel’s signature may yet emerge. Villarreal, grappling with their own managerial uncertainty, have sounded out the Spaniard as a potential replacement at La Cerámica, adding urgency to any approach from Manchester.

For now, City’s power brokers will await Guardiola’s decision following this weekend’s Wembley showdown. Should the 53-year-old opt for a new challenge, Michel has positioned himself front and centre, ready to trade the Estadi Montilivi for the Etihad and assume one of world football’s most scrutinised roles.