Man City Step Up Pursuit of Kompany as Guardiola's Future Remains Uncertain

Manchester City appear to be preparing the ground for life after Pep Guardiola, with Spanish reports claiming the club have stepped up their push to install Vincent Kompany as the Catalan's successor.

The Citizens have scheduled three separate meetings with the Bayern Munich boss, currently one of Europe's most impressive tacticians. Under Kompany's stewardship in Bavaria, the Bavarians have been ruthless this season—dropping just a single Bundesliga defeat while progressing to the Champions League quarter-finals and the DFB-Pokal semi-finals.

Guardiola's position remains clouded by uncertainty. Despite possessing another 12 months on his Manchester contract, the manager has offered mixed signals about his intentions. When pressed on whether he'd remain beyond this campaign, he responded with characteristic deflection, remarking: "Oh, everybody wants to fire me, right. Oh my god, guys. One day I will come here and say, 'bye bye, guys'. I'm here, one more year of contract."

Yet Spanish outlets insist the writing is on the wall, suggesting the City hierarchy have already determined Guardiola's departure is a formality. According to these reports, Kompany has emerged as their primary target, having apparently impressed the board sufficiently across their three conversations.

City currently trail Arsenal by nine points in the Premier League title race, though they possess a game in hand. A trip to the Emirates later this month could prove decisive in their quest to keep the title race alive.

There's competition for Guardiola's replacement, however. Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano has identified Enzo Maresca—the former Chelsea manager—as another name on City's radar should the Spanish boss depart. Romano noted that Maresca has fielded no approaches from Tottenham or Manchester United, with his representatives aware of City's interest.

The Manchester club are essentially in holding pattern mode, awaiting Guardiola's decision while quietly preparing contingency plans. For now, though, the ball remains firmly in the Spaniard's court.