Man City Fans Opinion Pool: Could Andoni Iraola replace Pep Guardiola at Manchester City After Dramatic Loss to Real Madrid?
Manchester City have put a Premier League boss ‘on the agenda’ with Pep Guardiola’s future at the Etihad in doubt after defeat to Real Madrid in the Champions League.
City travelled to the Bernabeu after a 3-2 defeat to the La Liga giants at the Etihad last week, and crumbled in the second leg, with Kylian Mbappe scoring a brilliant hat-trick to ensure a comfortable 6-3 aggregate win, with Nico Gonzalez scoring late on for Pep Guardiola’s side.
It’s been a tough season for the reigning Premier League champions, who are a whopping 17 points behind league-leaders Liverpool and face a battle to qualify for the Champions League next term.
They also have the possibility of a possible points deduction or even expulsion from the Premier League hanging over them as they wait for the independent panel’s verdict on their 115 FFP charges, expected in the next couple of months.
Guardiola signed a two-year extension to his contract in November, which expires in 2027, but the club’s struggles since has cast doubt over his future.
And a report in Spain claims the City chiefs have identified Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola as his possible replacement.
His ‘name is on the agenda’ owning to his ‘offensive and daring style’ which has the Cherries just one point adrift of City in the race for Champions League football.
A report on Wednesday claimed Real Madrid are also keeping tabs on Iraola as an alternative to Bayer Leverkusen’s Xabi Alonso in their search for a manager to replace Carlo Ancelotti.
But the La Liga giants could face competition from City, who believe Iraola can ‘maintain the philosophy’ that’s brought so much success under Guardiola.
The report states:
‘Iraola’s impact on Bournemouth has been remarkable. Under his direction, the team has shown a dynamic and courageous football, standing up to larger rivals and achieving results that have surprised in England. His ability to empower players and get the most out of their squad has made him one of the coaches with the most projection of the moment.
‘In recent days, his name has also sounded in relation to Real Madrid, but the possibility of staying in the Premier League seems more realistic at the moment. Manchester City knows that, if Guardiola decides not to continue, they will need a relief that maintains its philosophy of play and continues to exploit the talent of its squad to the fullest. That’s where Iraola fits perfectly.
‘The future of the Spanish coach will depend on how Guardiola’s situation in City is resolved and the decisions made by the English club for next season. For now, the Basque remains focused on his work with Bournemouth, but his growth as a coach puts him on the radar of the biggest teams in Europe.’
The knockout stages of the 2024-2025 UEFA Champions League are officially set, with 16 elite clubs from across Europe set to compete for a spot in the coveted quarterfinals.
As the competition heats up, fans eagerly await the thrilling matchups that will unfold over the coming weeks.
Among the clubs remaining, the Premier League is well represented, with three teams making the cut.
Liverpool and Arsenal, both strong contenders this season, are looking to build on their European legacies, while Aston Villa, making a rare appearance in the knockout rounds, will aim to showcase their rise on the continental stage.
The English trio will be looking to leave their mark, but competition from other leagues will certainly pose a challenge.
From Spain, Atlético Madrid, Barcelona, and Real Madrid are all still in contention. Atlético Madrid, known for their tactical discipline and resilience, will be hoping to make a deep run, while Barcelona, after their rebuilding years, are showing signs of their old self with an exciting squad.
Real Madrid, with their historic pedigree and immense experience, always rise to the occasion in Europe. With such powerhouses in the mix, Spain will be a country to watch closely.
The Bundesliga is also well-represented, with Bayern Munich, Bayer Leverkusen, and Borussia Dortmund all making it to the last 16. Bayern Munich, perennial favorites, will be aiming to add another star to their impressive collection of European titles.
Bayer Leverkusen has quietly impressed this season, and with their attacking force, they could be a surprise package. Borussia Dortmund, always a threat in the Champions League, will be looking to continue their strong run and challenge for a spot in the final stages.
From France, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Lille are in the mix. PSG, with their star-studded lineup, will be eager to secure a long-awaited Champions League title, while Lille, despite being underdogs, could bring an element of surprise.
The Dutch Eredivisie has Feyenoord and PSV Eindhoven flying the flag, both clubs boasting exciting squads capable of making waves in the competition.
Feyenoord’s impressive form this season has caught the attention of many, while PSV’s recent European campaigns have shown they can compete at the highest level.
Lastly, Belgian champions Club Brugge and Portuguese powerhouse Benfica are still in the hunt.
While many consider them outsiders, both teams have demonstrated the ability to cause upsets, and they won’t be intimidated by the big names in the tournament.
As the last 16 battles unfold, fans are set for some exhilarating clashes, with every team dreaming of reaching the final. The road to the Champions League title is long, but with such an exciting mix of clubs, it promises to be a thrilling journey ahead.
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