Addressing reports of Man City preparing for a potential successor, including current Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca, Guardiola stated he has no intention of leaving his position. The Spanish manager's contract with the club extends until the end of the 2026-2027 season.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of their premier league round 17 match against west ham, Guardiola noted that questions about his future arise almost every season. "For the last three or four years, at some point, I'm always asked this question", he stated. "Sooner or later, when I'm 75 or 76, I will leave man city."
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Coach Pep Guardiola celebrates with Phil Foden after man city's 3-0 victory over crystal palace in premier league round 16 at selhurst park, london, england on 14/12. *Photo: Reuters*
Guardiola emphasized his strong, collaborative relationship with the club regarding strategic decisions. "I have 18 months left on my contract and I am very happy, very excited about the team's progress", he shared. "Until the time is right, there is nothing more to add. This question arises every season, and I am completely fine with it. The club and I are aligned on every decision. When the time for a departure comes, it will simply happen."
The Spanish coach confirmed no current discussions about leaving the club, stating his focus remains on upcoming fixtures. "I am here", he asserted. "Football is constantly changing, but for now, my focus is solely on the matches against west ham, followed by nottingham forest, sunderland, brighton, and chelsea."
Today, man city hosts west ham, with an opportunity to take the top spot, as arsenal plays everton in a later fixture. Guardiola noted the club's challenging preparations due to a depleted squad. Rodri, John Stones, and Jeremy Doku are still recovering from injuries, while Omar Marmoush (egypt) and Rayan Ait-Nouri (algeria) are unavailable due to the africa cup.
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Coach Enzo Maresca celebrates with chelsea players after their 3-1 victory over cardiff city in the league cup quarter-finals on 16/12. *Photo: Reuters*
In a concurrent press conference before chelsea's match against newcastle, coach Enzo Maresca also refuted rumors of potentially replacing Guardiola at man city. "That is 100% speculation", he stated. "I have a contract with chelsea until 2029 and my sole focus is this club. Continuing to discuss it would imply I am paying attention, which I am not."
Maresca previously served as an assistant under Guardiola at man city and coached the u23 team before departing the etihad to manage leicester in 2023 and chelsea in 2024. The italian manager also dismissed rumors linking him to juventus, reiterating his focus on his current role with chelsea.
Hong Duy (via ESPN)
