Man City set Pep Guardiola deadline over decision on his future as head coach

However, it remains to be seen whether Guardiola will remain at the Etihad past the current campaign with his contract set to expire at the end of the season.

City have told the 53-year-old they want a decision on his future by Christmas at the latest and are growing uneasy at the lack of clarity on the situation, according to Sky Sports.

The Premier League champions would love for Guardiola to stay and see him as the best manager in the world, and possibly of all time.

City chairman Khaldoon Al-Mubarak revealed in the summer that he would hold talks with the Spaniard to try convince him to pen a contract extension.

But there is also a feeling that they understand that Guardiola cannot stay in Manchester forever - and there is also the fact that the England job is open.

The FA's dream choice to succeed Gareth Southgate, who left after England lost the Euro 2024 final this summer, is Guardiola.

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They have placed Lee Carsley in interim charge while other candidates Eddie Howe, Graham Potter and Joachim Low are under consideration behind the scenes.

However, whether Guardiola has ambitions of managing England or not, City are keen to have a succession plan in place - though finding a replacement would be no easy task.

Mikel Arteta, who worked as Guardiola's No. 2 at City, would be an obvious choice after tussling for the title in the last two years with Arsenal.

Former Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi and Girona manager Herero Michel have also been touted for the role, though any successor would have some big shoes to fill.

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Guardiola has led City to an astonishing 18 trophies during his reign - including their first-ever Champions League title in 2023.

They have also lifted the Premier League six times in the last seven years - and are favourites to win a fifth consecutive title - a feat that has never been done before.

Guardiola was coy on his future when asked about his situation earlier in the summer.

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He said: “We will see what happens.

“I will not rule it out absolutely to extend my contract. I would love to stay because I would love to stay. Nine years today in the same club is an eternity.”

City kickstarted their season by beating Manchester United in the Community Shield on penalties before landing victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday in their Premier League opener.

Erling Haaland and Mateo Kovacic both scored in a 2-0 win as Blues boss Enzo Maresca, another Guardiola disciple having worked as his assistant, took charge of his first Premier League game.