Pep Guardiola insists he still wants to continue at Manchester City but acknowledges the club must plan for his eventual successor.
City have reportedly begun identifying candidates to take over, amid lingering uncertainty about whether Guardiola will stay beyond next season. Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca, previously Guardiola’s assistant at City, dismissed claims linking him to the role as pure speculation.
In November 2024, Guardiola signed a contract running until the end of 2026-27. Speaking on Friday, he said he was happy at the club and focused on results. “When the chapter ends, the club will choose the best person to continue this incredible period,” he added.
City sit two points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal and will host West Ham on Saturday at 15:00 GMT.
Guardiola will leave when he feels it is time
City struggled in the 2024-25 season, failing to win any major domestic trophies for the first time since 2016–17. Despite this, Guardiola embraces the challenge of a new season after a summer squad rebuild.
“I’m excited because there is room to improve and do better. That is what I enjoy,” he said. “Last season was tough, but I stayed. This season shows better progress, and I still feel motivated. I want to continue as long as possible.”
Since joining City in 2016, Guardiola has won 15 major honours, excluding the Community Shield, adding to previous successes at Barcelona and Bayern Munich. He declined to set a timetable for leaving, saying he wants to maintain the team’s competitiveness at the highest level.
“In the Champions League, we are fourth with two games remaining. In the Premier League, we are near the top and have a Carabao Cup semi-final. That motivates me,” he said. “I focus on making the team better, creating chances, conceding less, and winning games. That is the business. When I feel I cannot improve the team further, I will leave. For now, I still have the feeling.”
On whether he will stay next season, Guardiola said: “I am here. Football changes constantly. I will not be here forever, but I intend to continue while I feel motivated.”
Maresca dismisses successor speculation
Maresca became Chelsea boss in June 2024 with a contract until 2029, plus an option for an additional year. He rejected links to Manchester City as false. “That is 100% speculation,” he said. “My focus is on Chelsea, and I am proud to be here. There is no truth to these stories.”
Chelsea currently sit fourth in the Premier League and will face Newcastle on Saturday at 12:30 GMT. Maresca also revealed that forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return earlier than expected for the match against Aston Villa on 27 December.
Maresca admitted his “worst 48 hours” at Chelsea followed the 2-0 win against Everton, highlighting tensions with owner Behdad Eghbali and sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart. He confirmed he has spoken with senior figures but denied discussions about the Everton press conference.
When asked if he would stay at Chelsea next season, Maresca said: “Absolutely yes. Fans should continue to support the team.”
City sharpen due diligence on managerial succession
Guardiola’s uncertain future has prompted City to consider possible successors. Sources suggest at least two candidates are already under review, though no names have been confirmed. Potential new signings are reportedly aware of the possibility of a managerial change.
City’s sporting director Hugo Viana is leading the effort to compile a shortlist. The club is unlikely to make a final decision on Guardiola’s future until the end of the season. While succession planning is standard in football, Guardiola’s situation has placed City’s due diligence under closer scrutiny.
Chelsea’s open wound continues
The rift between Maresca and Chelsea’s leadership remains unresolved. His original comments sparked tension, and no apology or solution has emerged. Press conferences have become tense, raising fears the uncertainty could affect a squad that was beginning to settle.
Chelsea still compete strongly, sitting fourth in the Premier League, reaching the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and maintaining Champions League hopes. Yet the unresolved issues create public speculation, with Maresca left as the only spokesperson for the club’s current difficulties.
