EPL: Pep Guardiola’s replacement at Manchester City named

Former Manchester City midfielder, Nigel de Jong, has named Crystal Palace boss Patrick Vieira, as the leading candidate to replace Pep Guardiola at the club.

Guardiola arrived at Manchester City in 2016 and has led the club to unprecedented success.

The Spaniard has led the Etihad Stadium landlords to three English top flight titles and five domestic cups in that time.

Guardiola, who has also managed Barcelona and Bayern Munich, is expected to remain at the club until 2023 but has suggested he could leave the club when that deal expires.

And De Jong is hoping that Guardiola stays in Manchester just like Sir Alex Ferguson did at Man United.

De Jong said that when the Catalan does eventually leave, he would like to see former Arsenal captain Vieira taken over at the Etihad.

Vieira finished his playing days and began his coaching career at Manchester.

“I’d love to see Guardiola in charge for another 5-10 years. I want him to have a similar spell to what Sir Alex Ferguson had at Manchester United, to really amplify his DNA into the club,” de Jong told Ladbrokes.

“The one thing that’s always certain in football, though, as a manager, is that you’re going to move on; be it by getting sacked or by walking.

‘Patrick Vieira is always going to be a name that’s linked with the City job…the transition from player to coach is so different, but Patrick has so far enjoyed great success with Crystal Palace. He’s a number one contender for the Manchester City job for sure.”

Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City are currently eight points clear of their closest rivals Chelsea and Liverpool in the Premier League table.