**Manchester City Reportedly Eye Xabi Alonso as Potential Successor to Pep Guardiola**
Manchester City are reportedly considering Bayer Leverkusen’s head coach, Xabi Alonso, as a surprising candidate to replace Pep Guardiola. The Premier League champions are said to be evaluating their managerial options following a season that has not lived up to their usual high standards. Despite Guardiola’s impressive achievements with City, including winning four consecutive Premier League titles and a historic treble in the 2022-23 season, his position appears to be under scrutiny due to the team’s struggles this term.
According to a report by German outlet BILD, cited by @footballespana_ on X, Alonso has emerged as a strong contender for the role. The Spanish coach has garnered significant praise for his remarkable impact at Bayer Leverkusen, a club he transformed in just 18 months. Under Alonso’s guidance, Leverkusen claimed the 2023-24 Bundesliga title without suffering a single defeat—a feat Guardiola has not managed to accomplish in England. In addition to the league title, Alonso led his team to victory in the DFB Pokal and to the UEFA Europa League final during the same season.
Although Guardiola extended his contract with Manchester City earlier in the season, doubts remain about his long-term future at the club, especially after their premature exit from the UEFA Champions League. City are currently sitting fourth in the Premier League table, putting them at risk of missing out on a Champions League spot for next season. This situation has only intensified speculation about a potential managerial change.
Alonso’s impressive achievements have not gone unnoticed by other top clubs. Real Madrid are also reportedly keeping a close eye on the former midfielder as a possible successor to Carlo Ancelotti. However, Manchester City may look to act quickly to secure Alonso’s services, fearing competition from the Spanish giants. Alonso’s familiarity with English football, having previously played for Liverpool, could make a return to the Premier League an appealing prospect for the young coach.
**Manchester City Advance to FA Cup Quarterfinals After Overcoming Early Setback**
In other news, Manchester City secured a spot in the FA Cup quarterfinals with a 3-1 comeback victory against Plymouth Argyle on March 1. Despite a shaky start, Guardiola’s side managed to keep their hopes of winning silverware this season alive.
Plymouth, who had caused an upset by eliminating Liverpool in the previous round, took a surprising lead in the 38th minute through a goal by Maksym Talovierov. However, City responded swiftly, with young left-back Nico O’Reilly heading in an equalizer just before halftime.
O’Reilly continued to impress, scoring again in the 76th minute with another header to put City in front. Kevin De Bruyne then sealed the win in stoppage time, finishing off a well-timed pass from Erling Haaland. This victory allows Manchester City to progress to the last eight of the FA Cup, offering them a chance to redeem what has been a challenging season so far.
