Alan Shearer believes Pep Guardiola will see conquering international management as his next challenge amid mounting speculation that he is set to leave Manchester City. Sunday's final Premier League game of the season against Aston Villa appears increasingly likely to be the Spaniard's last at the helm after 10 years in charge. Guardiola will address the media this evening with his side in action against Bournemouth, where a win would see the Premier League title race go down to the wire.
Regardless of the eventual destination of the Premier League trophy, Shearer thinks it will be a while before Guardiola returns to the dugout. The 55-year-old has been linked with the Brazil national team job in the past, and the former England skipper believes international management could suit Guardiola after a decade of uninterrupted pressure and success at City.
Speaking to Betfair, Shearer said: 'What next for Pep Guardiola after City? A rest! I think it will be similar to what we've seen in the past, he might rest for a year and then come back reenergised and go again. I could see him managing an international team. I'm not going to say it's less pressure, but maybe it won't be as intense; it will be a different challenge for him.'
It has been widely reported that former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca will take over at the Etihad Stadium. The 46-year-old, who served as an assistant to Guardiola during City's treble-winning campaign in 2022-23, has been out of work since leaving Stamford Bridge in January. His departure from Chelsea came after he informed the club that he had been in contact on multiple occasions with Manchester City about taking over from Guardiola.
'If you believe the rumours, then Maresca is ready to walk in there at Man City after Pep,' Shearer added. 'Good luck; it will be an incredibly difficult job. We've seen over the years how tough it is to follow a great manager, and Pep is one of the greatest. It might give everyone else a chance now, but I'll be sad to see him leave because without a doubt he has been incredible for the Premier League.'
Once Guardiola's exit is officially confirmed, debate will no doubt rage over whether he will have eclipsed Sir Alex Ferguson to be regarded as the greatest manager in Premier League history. 'What a man, what a manager. He's brought huge, huge success to Manchester City in his own way, in his own style,' said Shearer. 'I know he's had incredible wealth behind it, but there's one thing having that and another delivering, and that's exactly what he's done.'
'He's a lovely guy, certainly down to earth, always very amicable, very open, and always willing to have a conversation. He's delivered trophy after trophy after trophy, and his teams have been incredible to watch. He's been one of the best, if not the best we've ever seen. We didn't think anyone would get near Sir Alex Ferguson, but he has without a doubt, and some will argue that he's even better. He's done it in a really tough era where lots of teams have had so much money to spend, but year after year he has delivered what the Man City fans wanted.'
