Pep Guardiola has dismissed speculation linking him with a Manchester City exit, insisting his departure is "not on the table" despite reports suggesting Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca is being lined up as his replacement.
The City manager, 54, addressed the rumours head-on during Friday's pre-match press conference ahead of the Manchester City clash with West Ham.
Guardiola's response to exit speculation
Reports from The Athletic earlier this week claimed City executives were actively considering successors should Guardiola walk away at the end of the current campaign. Maresca, who served as Guardiola's assistant during the treble-winning 2022/23 season, was reportedly high on the club's shortlist.
But Guardiola made his position clear: "The club has to be prepared, but that subject is not on the table right now."
He continued: "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, I will quit. But I understand that question when I have an end of contract, but as you said perfectly I have 18 months left. I'm so delighted, happy, excited in the development of the team."
18 months left on his deal
Guardiola signed a two-and-a-half-year contract extension in November 2024, tying him to the Etihad until the end of the 2026/27 season. Sources close to the situation maintain that while City are preparing contingency plans — as any well-run club should — there has been no indication from Guardiola that he intends to leave early.
When pressed on whether he would still be in charge next season, the Spaniard was characteristically direct: "I'm here! What is going to happen, who knows that? But even if I had a 10-year contract, or six months, football changes a lot."
City back in the title race
City currently sit just two points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal following a six-game winning streak across all competitions. The champions have bounced back impressively from last season's struggles and are firmly in contention for a seventh title under Guardiola.
Understanding is that Guardiola remains fully engaged in the club's long-term planning, including input on transfer strategy alongside new director of football Hugo Viana.
Bottom line: Guardiola isn't going anywhere — at least not yet. City may be planning for the future, but the present belongs to Pep.
