Man City favourites to get Pep Guardiola as Bayern exit looms

Bayern officials now appeared to be resigned to losing Guardiola and German sources suggest they have already sounded out three-time Champions League winning coach Ancelotti to replace him.

Image: Bogdan ZajacBayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola has told the German club that he will not be signing a new deal once his contract expires next summer.

The recent unrest at Old Trafford might put off Guardiola, but it would be the third time that he has followed in Louis van Gaal’s footsteps – granted, it has taken the Dutchman longer get United at peak performance this time around.

“Tonight, I have no answer”, Guardiola answered.

“I can’t look inside his head and I’m excited about the decision”, said Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer. Next week, you will know the answer.

Guardiola has won back-to-back Bundesliga titles and is on course for a hat-trick of domestic league wins, although he has his heart set on securing the Champions League with Bayern having reached the semi-finals in his previous two campaigns.

“In the first half, we could have rented the Bayern half as a auto park”, quipped Darmstadt coach Dirk Schuster as Munich spent most of the first 45 minutes in his team’s half, but failed to finish their chances.

Furthermore, City have been less impressive this season than in the past under their Chilean manager, and if the opportunity arises for Guardiola to be brought to Manchester, it would not be a surprise.

“I genuinely don’t know where he will go but Manchester United will be high on the list, I would imagine, for the simple reason they are struggling”.

On Guardiola’s pre-Christmas visit to a Bayern fan club earlier this month, one supporter, dressed as Father Christmas, cheekily handed him an elaborate scroll.

” The Catalan has informed the suits at the Allianz Arena that he has made his mind up to seek out pastures new”.

Bayern Munich play their last match of the year against Hannover 96 on 19 December before the winter break.

The Bavarian giants hold a five-point lead in the German league ahead of their final game of 2015 at Hanover 96 on Saturday, but the sense of anticipation is building in the Bayern squad over Guardiola’s impending announcement.