The former City captain has made an impressive start to management in English football with Burnley and Guardiola thinks he has what it takes to manage at the Etihad Stadium.

The Spanish coach said: "He will be back sooner or later. I think his destiny to be the manager of Manchester City is already written in the stars. It’s going to happen. I don’t know when, but it's going to happen.

"I'm pretty sure. It is my feeling, maybe I am wrong. He has all the attributes – the work ethic, knowledge of the game, well respected, experienced.

"Doing what he has done is so difficult and he's doing really well. He knows the club, the environment, the fans and what our people need. The destiny is there."

Guardiola added: "I'm impressed with the consistency of Burnley. The Championship is so difficult, with the number of games. The consistency has been unbelievable.

"They are close to being promoted to the Premier League next season and personally I am delighted with his success, what they are doing in Burnley."

City take on Newcastle in the Premier League this weekend and Guardiola has been impressed with the way the Magpies have played this season.

He said: "Incredible it happened last season and this season they are taking a step forward so it looks like they have come to stay. What I have seen lately is what they have done all season.

"It is one of the toughest opponents we have until the end of the season for the quality they do everything brilliant. The threats, transitions, set pieces, best team in the league, many, many things that is why they are there for a long, long time this season."