Why Pochettino would be a good replacement for Guardiola at Man City

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is being linked with an exit from the Etihad, as per Daily Mail. The Spaniard signed a contract extension last year which keeps him at the club till 2021 but Daily Mail reports that it could be cut short.

In other words, Pep would be able to walk away at the end of this campaign without breaching his contract.

As a result, City are planning to swoop in and appoint former Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino as their new manager (h/t Daily Mail). Pochettino is currently without a job after being fired by Tottenham in November.

Spurs parted ways with Pochettino after the Argentine oversaw a torrid spell of form and Jose Mourinho was hired in his place.

Undoubtedly one of the world’s most in-demand coaches, Pochettino has no shortage of suitors. After all, the Argentine, who led Spurs to four consecutive top-four finishes in the Premier League and to last season’s Champions League final, is currently available for free.

Meanwhile, Guardiola has often cut a tired, almost irritable, figure this season. He is 14 points behind Liverpool and that has cast a dark cloud over the incredible work he has done at Manchester City these last two seasons.

Suffice to say, replacing Guardiola will be no easy feat for the Citizens. At the very least, City should consider Pochettino as an option. The Argentine has shown during his years in England that he is capable of building sides up to play attractive football. He also has an excellent record of developing home-grown talent, meaning Phil Foden and City’s other gems would be in excellent hands.

Verdict

Mauricio Pochettino is a world-class manager and he has good principles which were evident at Tottenham. His tendency to promote players will allow the City youngsters to flourish.

Thus, if Guardiola does walk away from the Etihad, Pochettino would be an ideal replacement.