While no-one would've been under the illusion that Guardiola would be staying put forever, reports he will be leaving at the end of his contract next year will undoubtedly have rocked the City boat after his trophy-laden tenure.
As has been shown time and time again in world football, replacing a manager of his calibre is no mean feat.
That's particularly true in the current climate, with a severe lack of experienced coaches currently on the market.
Rewind a few years and Conte may have been an option, with Guardiola repeatedly singing his praises. He said during the season the Italian won the Premier League with Chelsea: "My opinion about my colleague Conte is that he's superb.
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