Pep Guardiola shows true colours with Xabi Alonso message as clever Man City plan revealed

Pep Guardiola has not been shy about praising Xabi Alonso, who is said to be in Manchester City's sights. The former Barcelona boss currently faces an uncertain future at the Etihad Stadium, with his contract set to expire at the end of the season.

According to the Mirror, Manchester City higher-ups anticipate his potential departure, so they've added Alonso to their list of replacements. The duo have a strong rapport from their days at Bayern Munich together.

The former Liverpool player enjoyed great success with Bayer Leverkusen last season, winning both the Bundesliga and the DFB Pokal without defeat. Guardiola's past comments suggest he would endorse Alonso's appointment at the Etihad Stadium.

READ MORE: What Pep has done with Lewis shows Man City faith despite critics

READ MORE: 'New focus' Man City training change has instant impact at Wolves

When there were talks of Alonso potentially succeeding Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool, Guardiola was questioned about his perspective. As quoted by the Mirror, he said: "That's a question for Liverpool and of course I'm not going to answer because I don't know the ideas that I have.

"But if you ask me about the job he's doing...honestly...wow! The only team that's unbeaten in all competitions, fighting in the way with Bayern Munich there.

"Now they are in the position that they cannot win the Bundesliga, they can lose the Bundesliga but everybody thinks it's done. Now is the most difficult thing because it's not done until it's done.

"But, wow! Not just the way they play, they didn't lose one game in the Europa League, the Pokal in Germany, the Bundesliga."

Just like Guardiola, Alonso also champions an appealing, fluid style of football that blends patient build-up play with speed and athleticism. After seven Bundesliga matches, Bayer Leverkusen currently sit fourth, trailing table leaders Bayern Munich by three points.

They hold the same spot in the Champions League table after kicking off their campaign with a commanding 4-0 away thrashing of Feyenoord and an impressive 1-0 home triumph over AC Milan. Guardiola would not have been taken surprised by Alonso's stellar start to his managerial career.

He still recalls Alonso's probing mind and footballing acumen from his playing days at Bayern Munich. The Manchester City boss added: "I was incredibly fortunate to have him one and a half years or two seasons. He's such an intelligent player.

"Holding midfielders ask you questions and how curious they are about the game, you realise that if this guy retires he will be at home, he will be annoyed, nothing to do. Normally holding midfielders like him, [Javier] Mascherano, [Sergio] Busquets, Rodri, [Ilkay] Gundogan, they will be involved in football for sure because they have a vision, their perspective is different.

"He was a top class player otherwise you cannot play Liverpool, Madrid and Bayern Munich. He took good decisions and I'm so happy for him, he deserves it, he's a lovely, lovely guy."

Get City transfer updates on WhatsApp!

Manchester City wrapped up the 2023/24 season with a fourth successive Premier League title, but they missed out on another Treble with defeat in the FA Cup final and Champions League quarter-finals. It's now time for Pep Guardiola and co to turn their attention to the transfer window.

Our MEN team of City experts will be on top of all the goings-on at the Etihad this summer and beyond, and you can get the latest updates and inside information to your phone by joining our new free WhatsApp community. You can also join the 40,000 (and growing!) band of Blues fans who are following our WhatsApp channel.

Sign up to our community here, and join our City channel here.

--

We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.