The longest-serving Premier League manager reaffirms his commitment amid links between City and former assistant Enzo Maresca.
Pep Guardiola has moved to shut down mounting speculation about his Manchester City future, stating he is “delighted” in his role and that his departure is not a current discussion, despite rumors linking Chelsea’s Enzo Maresca as a potential successor.
Speaking ahead of City’s Premier League match against West Ham, the 54-year-old manager addressed the recurring question of his tenure head-on. “I am here,” Guardiola affirmed. “Sooner or later, when I’m 75 or 76, I will quit City. I have 18 months left [on my contract] and I am so delighted.”
His comments come after reports this week identified Chelsea’s Enzo Maresca—a former City academy coach and Guardiola’s one-time assistant—as a leading candidate should City need a new manager next summer.
Guardiola, who will complete a decade at the club this season, emphasized that while the club must always plan for the future, a change is not imminent. “There are no discussions – end of the subject… What is going to happen will happen and the club has to be prepared for everything. But that subject is not on the table right now.”
Across town, the man at the center of the speculation also downplayed the links. Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca, under contract at Stamford Bridge until 2029, called the reports “100% speculation.”
“It doesn’t affect me at all,” Maresca said on Friday. “I have a contract here until 2029 and my focus is about this club. I’m very proud to be here.”
Maresca, who led Chelsea to a UEFA Conference League title in his first season, previously worked within Manchester City’s setup before his successful stint at Leicester City. The continued speculation underscores the high regard in which he is held by his former club, even as both managers attempt to keep the focus firmly on their teams’ present challenges.
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