Girona head coach Michel has insisted that he is ready to take over at Manchester City if Pep Guardiola departs from the Etihad.
Speaking on the ‘La Otra Grada’ podcast, Michel insisted that he would be ready to take over at Manchester City if Pep Guardiola calls time on his stint with the Premier League club in the coming months. The 50-year-old Girona head coach acknowledged that the job would present a challenge to him but maintained his confidence in becoming his compatriot’s successor.
The Girona boss said, “I do see myself as ready [to coach City], I see myself ready to coach any team. I don’t know if they [City] see it that way. Obviously it’s not the same [to coach Girona or City]. I don’t have a magic wand to speak to any type of ego but I do have the ability to adapt and I want to experience it.”
Michel has been one of the most accomplished managers in La Liga since joining Girona in July 2021. Born in Madrid, the Spaniard spent most of his professional career with his boyhood club, Rayo Vallecano, and his managerial career began with Los Franjirrojos. The 50-year-old initially took over as a coach in the youth division at Rayo Vallecano before becoming the first-team boss in 2017.
However, the Spanish tactician has risen in prominence during his spell with Girona, reaching his peak at the Catalan club when he guided them to the UEFA Champions League. However, they have been mired in the relegation battle in the last two La Liga seasons. Meanwhile, his stock is high, and a move to Manchester City may be on the cards.
Michel has been on Manchester City’s wishlist for a long time. The Citizens are finally on the cusp of appointing a new head coach, as speculation surrounding Pep Guardiola’s long-term future has grown like wildfire. With City struggling for a second successive season, the former Barcelona boss may call time on his spell at the Etihad.
Several candidates, including Enzo Maresca, have thus emerged on Manchester City’s wishlist, with the Girona head coach also a viable target. The 50-year-old Spaniard will now hope his latest comments puts him in contention to secure the top job.
However, it is unclear if Guardiola will call time on his stint with Manchester City in the summer transfer window. So, it will be interesting to see if the Spanish tactician arrives at the Etihad after half a decade with City’s sister club in La Liga.
