Pep Guardiola Reportedly to Leave Bayern Munich, Carlo Ancelotti Rumours Grow

Bayern Munich boss Pep Guardiola will reportedly leave the club at the end of the season, with Italian manager Carlo Ancelotti to replace him at the Allianz Arena.

That’s according to Sami Mokbel of the MailOnline, who noted Guardiola “has taken the decision” to leave the Bundesliga giants. Mokbel wrote that Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea are “surveying the managerial landscape” for a new boss, and he’s “expected” to join the former of that trio.

Jon Super/Associated Press

Guardiola is rated as one of the finest managers in the game. Not only has he helped Bayern Munich to consecutive league titles, but in his previous role as Barcelona boss he assembled a team some consider to be the greatest in the history of football; he won the La Liga three times and two Champions League titles during a four-year stint with the club.

Now it seems as though Guardiola is ready for a new challenge and the Premier League is certainly an intriguing matchup for the coach.

Mark Ogden of the Independent feels that even though Guardiola is favourite to join City, United would be unwise not to try to get him on board:

Indeed, pressure is growing on incumbent manager Louis van Gaal after a string of poor performances. United have played a dreary style of football under the Dutchman and with a recent downturn in results plenty of fans are beginning to voice their displeasure. 

Jon Super/Associated Press

Chelsea may also consider moving for Guardiola. The champions are having a poor campaign, languishing just one point clear of the relegation zone and a whopping 20 points behind league leaders Leicester City. Jose Mourinho, like Van Gaal, is in a precarious position at the moment.

However, City seem the most natural fit for the former Barcelona midfielder and, as noted by Mokbel, it seems as though Guardiola will now be in charge at the Etihad Stadium come the start of next season.

Football writer OffsideLiam outlined why he also feels as though that’ll be the case:

"

I think Guardiola will opt for #MCFC. He won't have to work with Ed Woodward, there's structure in place and Txiki Begiristain is there.

— Liam (@OffsideLiam) December 16, 2015"

Even though Manuel Pellegrini has done a decent job at City, getting Guardiola is an opportunity not to be missed. He’s proven himself to be one of the brightest thinkers of his generation, his teams play wonderful football and, most importantly of all, Guardiola has shown he’s a serial winner.

United and Chelsea would be naive not to have tentative discussions with the former Barcelona man should he confirm he will be leaving Bayern come the end of the campaign. After all, the prospect of this City team, containing some of the finest players in world football, being guided by one of the most astute managers around, is an ominous prospect for the rest of the Premier League.