Pep Guardiola provides clarification on Manchester City future amid Enzo Maresca replacement talk

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has addressed ongoing speculation over his future at the Etihad Stadium following media reports linking Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca as his replacement at the Etihad Stadium.

Guardiola is contracted at City until the end of the 2026-27 campaign after penning a two-and-a-half-year deal in November 2024, though that hasn’t stopped the rumour train from taking off in recent months.

Several reports in England this season have attested to a growing belief over the Catalan’s future in Manchester and a possible exit for Guardiola at the end of the current season, with City undergoing a period of transition under director of football Hugo Viana.

A bumper report by David Ornstein of The Athletic this week attested to a growing belief amongst well-placed sources outside the club that this could well be Guardiola’s final season at Manchester City.

It was further reported that executives at the Etihad Stadium have identified Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca – who previously served as Manchester City U21 coach and as a member of Guardiola’s coaching staff – is high on the club’s list as a possible replacement for the Catalan.

Speaking in a press conference ahead of Manchester City’s Premier League meeting with West Ham on Saturday, Guardiola was quizzed about his future at the Etihad Stadium and whether he could leave the club next summer.

“Well, in the last three or four years, every time in a certain period you ask me about that question. So yeah, sooner or later at 75 or 76 (years old), I will quit,” Guardiola told reporters on Friday afternoon.

“But I understand that question when I have an end of contract, but as you said perfectly I have 18 months (left at City). I’m so delighted, happy, excited in the development of the team, being there – that’s all I can say.

“But that question happens every single season at a certain point. But I’m okay. I’ve said many times, myself and the club, we are incredibly connected in terms of the decision we have to take, and what happens is going to happen.”

Guardiola was further quizzed on whether he will be manager of Manchester City next season. “I’m here! What is going to happen, who knows that?! Who knows? But even if I had a 10-year contract, or I have six months, football changes a lot,” the 54-year-old added.

“Now I’m focussed on West Ham and going (away) for a few days with my dad, and that’s all! And come back for Nottingham (Forest), Sunderland, Chelsea, Brighton, all the stuff we have ahead of us.”

City can keep up the pressure on Arsenal by beating West Ham this weekend as festive fixtures loom against Nottingham Forest and Sunderland, with Guardiola also expected to be monitoring the January transfer market amid a strong interest in Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo, who will be available for £65 million next month.