Girona coach Michel Sánchez has declared his readiness to potentially manage Manchester City, adding fuel to speculation about who might succeed Pep Guardiola.
Michel, who has been at the helm of Girona since 2021, believes he is prepared to take on a significant role in his career. The Spanish coach’s comments come amid questions about Guardiola’s future at the Etihad Stadium.
Michel Aims for Top Job
Michel stated on the ‘La Otra Grada’ podcast: “I do see myself as ready [to coach City], I see myself ready to coach any team.”
He followed this by saying, while laughing, “I don’t know if they [City] see it that way.”
The Girona coach acknowledged the differences between managing his current club and a team like Man City. “Obviously it’s not the same [to coach Girona or City]. I don’t have a magic wand to speak to any type of ego but I do have the ability to adapt and I want to experience it.”
Guardiola’s Future in Question
Guardiola, who is 55, will mark his 10th year of coaching at City this summer. He is contracted with the Citizens until June 2027.
Questions have been raised regarding whether he will remain at the club beyond the current season. These doubts have surfaced after his team’s exit from the UEFA Champions League this week, following a 5-1 aggregate defeat to Real Madrid.
Guardiola has evaded questions about his future plans.
Preparing for a Possible Premier League Move
Michel is actively preparing for a potential move to the Premier League.
“I have an English teacher and I keep working at it,” he said.
Michel’s Record at Girona
Michel began his coaching career at Rayo Vallecano, where he spent the majority of his playing career.
He has since made a significant impact at Girona. In his first season, he led the Catalan side to promotion to LaLiga. He was then named LaLiga manager of the season in 2023-24, after Girona finished third in the standings and qualified for the Champions League for the first time in their history.
Girona are currently 12th in LaLiga. They beat league leaders Barcelona 2-1 last month and drew 1-1 with Real Madrid in November.
Michel’s readiness to coach at the highest level could become a talking point should Guardiola depart from Manchester City before his contract expires in 2027.