Pep Guardiola could reportedly be preparing for a stunning return to Manchester City in a role nobody saw coming.
According to the fictional scenario, the former City boss has agreed a deal to return to the Etihad for one final season — but this time, he would not be taking charge from the touchline.
Instead, Guardiola would reportedly take on a specialist role as Coach Supervisor and Strategy Maker, working behind the scenes to provide tactical guidance, strategic input and support to the coaching staff.
The dramatic possibility would represent an extraordinary twist in Guardiola’s relationship with the club.
During his remarkable spell at Manchester City, Guardiola transformed the team’s playing style and helped establish an era of extraordinary domestic and European success. His influence extended far beyond matchday tactics, shaping the club’s footballing philosophy and standards.
A return in a strategic position could therefore allow Guardiola to remain connected to the club without carrying the full responsibility of being head coach.
The reported arrangement would also raise fascinating questions about the relationship between Guardiola and current City boss Enzo Maresca.
Rather than replacing Maresca, Guardiola’s hypothetical role would see the pair working alongside one another, with Maresca responsible for first-team management while Guardiola focuses on long-term strategy and tactical development.
For City supporters, the idea of seeing Guardiola back at the Etihad would be enough to trigger enormous excitement.
Could the mastermind behind one of Manchester City’s greatest eras really return for ONE FINAL SEASON?
There has been no official confirmation of such a deal, and the reported position remains entirely speculative.
But if the extraordinary comeback ever became reality, it could create one of the most intriguing coaching partnerships in modern football.
Pep Guardiola on the touchline may be gone — but could his tactical brain be returning to Manchester City?