Pep Guardiola thinks Roberto De Zerbi would be his perfect replacement at Manchester City, according to reports.
The Spaniard has worked wonders during his stint at the Etihad Stadium, ever since being appointed as Manuel Pellegrini's replacement eight years ago.
Guardiola recently steered City to a sixth Premier League title under his watch, with the club also becoming the first to win four in a row.
However, according to widespread reports, the 52-year-old is poised to leave the Etihad Stadium at the end of next season.
Pep Guardiola is set to leave Man City next summer after a glittering spell in charge at the Etihad Stadium
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Guardiola isn't expected to sign another contract in Manchester, with City set to start looking for his replacement.
Michel, manager of Girona over in Spain, is currently viewed as his natural successor.
Yet the Daily Mail says Guardiola believes De Zerbi would actually be perfect for City once he packs his bags and strolls off into the sunset.
Brighton recently announced they would be parting ways with the Italian after a successful 18-month stint in charge.
But while De Zerbi is currently available, City may not get the chance to bring him in.
The 44-year-old is currently on Chelsea's shortlist, with the Blues hunting a replacement for Mauricio Pochettino.
De Zerbi has also been linked with Manchester United amid the uncertainty over Erik ten Hag's future at Old Trafford.
When Sir Alex Ferguson left United in 2013, he was able to pick his replacement.
He opted for David Moyes, with the Scot proceeding to last just 10 months before being relieved of his duties.
But it is currently unclear if Guardiola will be given that same power as his time in the Etihad dugout winds down.
City were beaten by United in the FA Cup on Saturday, with Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo on target for the Red Devils.
Guardiola was clearly dejected by the defeat, with fans branding him 'salty' after he gave a blunt post-match interview.
Yet he insisted City would look to win both the Premier League and FA Cup next season while they celebrated their latest title triumph on Sunday.
News of Guardiola being set to leave City is no surprise.
Speaking earlier this month he said he was closer to leaving than staying, with the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss saying: The reality is I am closer to leaving than staying.
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Pep Guardiola has won six Premier League titles during his spell at Man City
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"We have talked with the club — my feeling is that I want to stay now.
“So I will stay next season and during the season we will talk. But eight or nine years? We will see.”
And Guardiola says City will be 'back' as they look to continue their dominance of world football.
"Next season is next season, it's far away," he said.
“Now it is difficult for me to process even after winning the Premier League.
Pep Guardiola feels Roberto De Zerbi would be his perfect replacement at Man City
REUTERS
“Now it's a question of calm, relax. We will be back as best as possible. I am not thinking next season we have to do this or that.
"Step-by-step and we will see what happens with the squad that we will have and start to work and run and we will see.
“This season has been amazing and the journey was really good. We lived it week-in, week-out, good mood, good vibes and the team has been extraordinary the way we played the Champions League, we didn't lose one game."
