In the aftermath of Lionel Messi 's masterclass , Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini repeated that he does not fear losing his job at the end of the season . But with the ruthless Chelsea machine far in the Premier League distance and no chance of silverware from cup competitions , the Chilean 's ageing , expensively-assembled side look certain to end the campaign trophyless - a relative drought that will not go down well in the desert residence of the club 's owners . Here , Sportsmail looks at five men who could replace Pellegrini in the Etihad hot seat in the summer should he be given the boot . Manuel Pellegrini could be dismissed as Manchester City boss with the club facing a trophyless season . 1 . Frank de Boer . With four Dutch titles in a row under his belt the Ajax supremo is the most attainable of the candidates in the running . The innovative 44-year-old introduced youth and creativity to an ageing , underperforming side and would appear to fit the bill . However , City are famously looking for Champions League progression and three group stage exits in a row in Amsterdam may undermine his case . That said , De Boer would have resources at City he could only dream about with Ajax . Do not rule out a Dutch dynasty in Manchester . Frank de Boer has won four Eredivisie titles in a row during his time as manager at Ajax . De Boer 's case may be weakened by three group stage Champions League exits with Ajax . 2 . Pep Guardiola . The Bayern Munich boss is well-known to City executives Ferran Soriano and Txiki Begiristain from their time together at the Nou Camp and would appear to be the obvious choice . Begiristain , City 's director of football , held that role at Barcelona while Guardiola was coach and the men are close friends . Guardiola himself has spoken of his desire to coach in England . Timing however , is the issue . Pep Guardiola is well known to City executives but his contract at Bayern Munich expires next season . Guardiola was on hand to witness City 's demise at the hands of former side Barcelona on Wednesday . The 44-year-old 's contract in Bavaria does not expire until next summer and he has already ruled out leaving before then . Interestingly that coincides with the end of Pellegrini 's deal at the Etihad ... 3 . Diego Simeone . The Argentine 's stock went through the roof after last season 's logic-defying La Liga title and Champions League final appearance . A defence of that title looks unlikely but by qualifying for the Champions League quarter-finals the Man in Black has delivered another work of fantasy . Diego Simeone celebrates with his Atletico Madrid players after leading them to La Liga glory last season . Simeone got Atletico to the quarter-final of the Champions League and could be on the verge of a new deal . With Real Madrid and Barcelona retaining their rights to plunder most of the money from TV rights , an exit born of frustration may well have been on the cards . But Simeone 's sister and representative Natalia dismissed talk of a move away , stating that her sibling was close to signing a new deal at the Vicente Calderon where he is loved like no other . 4 . Carlo Ancelotti . Odds on the veteran Italian swapping Madrid for Manchester could shorten as early as this weekend , when his men take on Barcelona in El Clasico . Carlo Ancelotti celebrates winning the Champions League with Real Madrid last season . But the Italian is under pressure this year after Madrid were replaced by Barcelona at the top of La Liga . Lose and it could be two years in a row without a La Liga crown , which is not acceptable for the Bernabeu masses . Win , and with a Champions League quarter-final to come , Ancelotti may not be going anywhere . 5 . Patrick Vieira . There is little doubt that the Arsenal legend will one day be gunning for the top job at City . Vieira has impressed during his stint in charge of City 's youngsters after inheriting a shambles . He makes the right noises , is loved by his players and is respected within the club . Vieira is young and ambitious but currently lacks the experience needed for the role . Expect him to be the man who replaces the man who replaces Pellegrini . Patrick Vieira has impressed City bosses with his work at the club overhauling the youth system .
Manuel Pellegrini facing up to a trophyless season at Manchester City . Speculation is mounting that he could be removed as manager of the club . Sportsmail reviews five managers who would lead the way to replace him .