Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has identified Vincent Kompany as his likely long-term successor at the Etihad Stadium, suggesting a return for the former club captain is inevitable. Speaking in a press conference in April 2026, the 55-year-old indicated that Kompany is destined to lead the club following his successful tenure at Bayern Munich. While Guardiola remains under contract until June 2027, the public endorsement comes amid mounting speculation that the Catalan could depart Manchester as early as this summer.
Guardiola backs Kompany for future Etihad return
During a press briefing ahead of City’s fixture against Burnley, Guardiola spoke candidly about Kompany’s trajectory as a manager. As first reported by CityXtra and Tribuna, Guardiola stated that the Belgian’s eventual appointment at the Etihad is "written in the stars" given his deep connection to the club and his coaching development in Germany.
"I said a long time ago—that guy will be the manager sooner or later," Guardiola told reporters. "I'm pretty sure Manchester will be in his heart, and hopefully the path will cross at a certain point in his life. He's so young, still just one or two years in Munich, so still [he] will be there. But sooner or later, I have the feeling... I'm pretty sure Manchester will be in his heart and mind."
While Kompany is currently viewed as the sentimental and tactical favourite, he is not the only candidate linked with the role. Enzo Maresca, the 46-year-old former City assistant, is also understood to be a leading contender according to TeamTalk. Maresca is currently a free agent after leaving Chelsea by mutual consent in early 2026, positioning him as a more immediate option should Guardiola opt for an early exit.
Kompany's managerial rise at Bayern Munich
The endorsement from Guardiola is supported by Kompany’s record since taking the helm at the Allianz Arena in May 2024. The 40-year-old has revitalised Bayern Munich, guiding them to consecutive Bundesliga titles in the 2024/25 and 2025/26 seasons. He also led the Bavarian club to the Champions League semi-finals, implementing a high-pressing, possession-based style that mirrors the tactical identity established at City over the last decade.
Kompany’s current contractual situation presents a significant hurdle for any immediate move. In October 2025, he signed an extension with Bayern Munich that ties him to the club until June 2029. Unlike Maresca, who is available immediately, extracting Kompany from Munich would require a substantial compensation package, particularly given his recent domestic dominance in Germany.
Squad transition and the post-Guardiola era
The discussion regarding a new manager coincides with a period of significant squad overhaul. John Stones, 31, is reportedly set to leave the club this summer after 10 years of service, according to FootballTransfers. Stones’ potential departure follows a trend of senior figures being phased out; the defender has seen his league starts fluctuate this season as the club integrates younger profiles.
City are currently locked in a primary title race with Arsenal, yet the long-term planning for the post-Guardiola era is clearly underway. The club has shifted its recruitment focus toward younger talent, recently incorporating Rayan Cherki and Antoine Semenyo. Appointing a manager like Kompany or Maresca would ensure tactical continuity for a squad that has been built specifically to execute a positional play system.
Any decision on the vacancy will depend on Guardiola's final communication regarding his 2026 plans, with Bayern Munich likely to resist any approach for Kompany before the end of his current deal.
