Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola has said the club must be ready to plan for his eventual departure, as uncertainty continues over whether the Spaniard will remain in charge beyond next season.
Although Guardiola signed a new contract in November 2024 that runs until the end of the 2026–27 campaign, the 54-year-old acknowledged that no manager stays forever and that the club needs to be prepared for all possibilities.
As reported by BBC Sport on Friday, Guardiola was quoted as saying, “I get asked this question every season.
“Sooner or later, I will quit Manchester City. I have 18 months, and I am very happy. The club and I are well connected, and what is going to happen will happen.”
He added that there have been no discussions about leaving before the end of his contract.
“There are no discussions, end of the subject. But the club has to be prepared for everything, players, CEOs, everyone, except the owners,” he said.
Guardiola has become one of the most successful managers in City’s history since his appointment in 2016, leading the club to six Premier League titles and the 2022–23 Champions League among a host of other trophies.
Amid speculation over possible successors, Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca, a former Guardiola assistant at City, dismissed reports linking him with the role as “100% speculation.”
Maresca, who joined Chelsea in June 2024 and is under contract until 2029, insisted his focus remains solely on his current club.
“It doesn’t affect me because I know it’s speculation,” Maresca said. “My focus is just on Chelsea, and I am proud to be here.”
Manchester City are currently two points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal and host West Ham United on Saturday. Chelsea, who sit fourth, face Newcastle United earlier in the day.
Guardiola’s comments underline City’s long-term planning approach while reaffirming his commitment to the club in the short term, as they continue their pursuit of domestic and European success.
