Watch out, Mancini! Mourinho, Guardiola, Wenger and more replacements for Man City's manager

Roberto Mancini's press conference outburst earlier this week, followed by his tirade at the referee following Man City's 2-2 draw with Ajax, suggested a man under pressure. Despite delivering Man City their first league success in 44 years, the reality is that Mancini is falling way short in club football's biggest competition and serious questions must be asked, given City's level of investment. Should the affectionately named 'Bobby Manc' leave the Etihad, who could replace him? We take a look at some of the contenders...

Jose Mourinho
The 'Special One' is the bookies' favourite for the role, should Roberto Mancini get the axe. The Real Madrid boss has spoken of his desire to return to England and, while he refused to rule out a return to Chelsea, it seems more likely that Manchester City would offer him a home first. Mourinho is very much a Champions League specialist, having won the competition twice already and, given City's owners' desire for European silverware, he represents arguably their best shot at winning the big one. The precedent has already been set, with Mancini being sacked by Inter after flopping in Europe, despite domestic success, with Mourinho replacing him and bringing the Champions League trophy back to the San Siro. There are very few jobs that could appeal to Mourinho and Man City is one of them.
Likelihood: Highly probable, Mour or less

Pep Guardiola
Like Mourinho, the former Barcelona boss has been mentioned on numerous occasions as a future City boss. Both managers have formidable track records in the Champions League, but Guardiola is free to speak to whichever club he pleases and that could tip the balance in his favour. City's appointment of former Barca director of football Txiki Begiristain, following the arrival of another ex-Barcelona man as chief executive, Ferran Soriano, has led to suggestions that the Mancunians are undergoing something of a Barcelona-fication, prompting speculation that Guardiola will soon join them. But with former Barca scout Bojan Krkic - a man who is no ally of Pep - also being considered as an appointment by City bosses, the apparent growth of Catalan influence within the club might not necessarily mean Guardiola is a shoo-in to succeed Mancini.
Likelihood: No smoke without fire? Mancini needs to be on his Guard

Diego Simeone
Argentinian Diego Simeone has been linked with a move to England following his impressive stint in charge at Atletico Madrid. Despite only being brought to Atletico in December 2011, Simeone has worked quickly to establish the Spaniards as one of Europe's most impressive sides. By the end of last season, Atletico had won the Europa League and followed that up by thumping Chelsea in the UEFA Super Cup. They now sit second in La Liga, behind only Barcelona, and should City move for Simeone they could find themselves favourites to sign Atletico's star striker Radamel Falcao, too.
Likelihood: Long shot, senor

Rafa Benitez
Unlike Simeone, Rafa Benitez already lives in the north west and speaks excellent English. Unlike Roberto Mancini, Rafa Benitez has a fantastic record in the Champions League. Unlike Manchester City, Rafa Benitez fell short when he went head-to-head with Alex Ferguson and Manchester United in the Premier League. As much as Benitez may wish to return to football management in a job as prestigious as the City hot seat, his stock has fallen too much for him to be seriously considered as anything more than a stop-gap.
Likelihood: No go and that is a fact!

Arsene Wenger
Arsene Wenger has done a great job at Arsenal over the years, but if they fail to win a trophy for the eighth consecutive campaign and fail to qualify for the Champions League, it could be time up for the Frenchman at the Emirates. The reason Wenger has failed to deliver silverware since 2005, it is often argued, has nothing to do with his ability as a manager and everything to do with Arsenal's impotence in the face of City's wealth. Indeed, many of Wenger's best players have been signed by City, while the likes of Van Persie and Fabregas might not have deserted the Frenchman had he the resources City can provide. Could Wenger be the latest Gunner to switch fourth spot for Premier League glory?
Likelihood: Not Gunner happen

Harry Redknapp
Former Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp has admitted that he's itching to get back into football management, but when you're being linked with Southampton, QPR and Blackburn, going to City is maybe too optimistic. To be fair to Redknapp, he guided Spurs into fourth spot last season and perhaps feels he deserves better than a relegation scrap. City's aspirations are a level above his CV, however, and Manchester to Sandbanks is an awfully long drive.
Likelihood: No deal, 'Arry!

If City go out of the Champions League at the group stage, do you think his job will come under threat? Have your say by commenting below...