Manchester City is set to face Chelsea on 5/1, a match overshadowed by the dismissal of Enzo Maresca on thursday. This event has fueled speculation that the italian coach has held discussions with the etihad stadium club about potentially succeeding Guardiola in the future. Under contract until summer 2027, the spanish manager displayed clear fatigue but managed a humorous response when repeatedly confronted with questions about his future.

"For god's sake, I still have a contract, I've said this a million times," Guardiola stated during a press conference on the evening of 2/1. "I know you're fed up with me after 10 years here. You want me to leave, don't you? Of course you do. You want to sack me? My salary is very high, so I'll still be here for another year."

The 54-year-old coach later dismissed speculation that he would leave man city this summer to make way for his friend and former assistant, Maresca. He even used his reputation to guarantee his commitment to the club, although he did not specify a long-term commitment.

"You know, one day I will leave," Guardiola affirmed. "I promise. But for now, I still have a contract, I am happy, and I want to fight with my team. The board respects me. They proved that last season when the club didn't win a game for two to three months. They still supported me. So what more can I do? I currently have one year left on my contract, I like it here, so let's wait and see. Is my credibility worth nothing?"

When pressed for an "update" on his future at man city, Guardiola retorted: "Why should I update you? Those are just rumors. So sorry, I will not answer that question."

Maresca (right) was once an assistant to Guardiola at Man City.

Maresca's unexpected dismissal also prompted Guardiola to reflect on the support he has received from man city's owners over nearly a decade. In the same period, Chelsea is seeking its ninth permanent coach. "I can only say that, in my opinion, Chelsea has lost an excellent coach and person," Guardiola said. "But that is a decision from Chelsea's hierarchy, I have no opinion. Football is always full of surprises. All I can confirm is that I have been and am extremely fortunate to work at this club. My man city is truly special."

Guardiola also acknowledged that Chelsea, without Maresca at the helm, will make the upcoming match even more unpredictable. "You won't know what the opponent intends to do because I don't know how they will play," Guardiola commented. "I don't know what will happen. Chelsea is always dangerous. And in the premier league, every match carries risks."

Hoang Thong compiled