Guardiola admits Manchester City must prepare his successor amid Maresca links

Pep Guardiola has said Manchester City must be prepared to plan for his eventual departure as uncertainty continues over whether he will remain at the club beyond next season.

It is understood City have begun identifying potential successors, despite Guardiola signing a contract extension in November 2024 that runs until the end of the 2026-27 campaign.

Speaking ahead of Saturday’s Premier League match against West Ham, the 54-year-old acknowledged the inevitability of change but insisted no discussions about his exit are currently taking place.

“The last three or four years, at a certain point, I get asked this question,” Guardiola said. “Sooner or later, 75 or 76, I will quit from Manchester City. I understand the question, but I have 18 months and I am so delighted.

“I was so excited with the development of the team. That is all I can say. This question happens every single season. The club and myself are well connected, and the decision we have to take, what is going to happen will happen.”

When pressed on whether he would still be in charge next season, Guardiola added: “I answered that question before. I am here. What is going to happen, who knows, but if I have 10 years on my contract or six months, football changes a lot.”

Planning for the future

Guardiola stressed that while there have been no talks about leaving before his contract expires, City must be ready for all scenarios.

“There are no discussions. End of the subject,” he said. “I will not be here eternally, but there are no discussions. What is going to happen will happen and the club has to be prepared for everything.

“The club has to be prepared for the players and the CEOs, except the owners. The rest, the club has to be prepared, but that subject is not on the table right now.”

Guardiola has been one of the most successful managers in City’s history since joining in 2016, winning six Premier League titles and the Champions League in 2022-23.

Maresca dismisses speculation

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca, a former Guardiola assistant at City, has been linked as a potential successor, but he strongly rejected those reports.

“It doesn’t affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation,” Maresca said. “I have a contract here until 2029 probably, and my focus is just about this club. I am very proud to be here.

“One week ago I was in Italy, the same with Juventus. So I do not pay attention because I know that is not true.”

Maresca also confirmed he expects to remain at Chelsea next season and urged supporters to continue backing the team. He added that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao could return earlier than expected for the match against Aston Villa on 27 December.

Manchester City, who are two points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal, host West Ham on Saturday afternoon.