Amid swirling reports about his future, Pep Guardiola has reaffirmed his commitment to Manchester City, insisting he wants to stay at the club. The Manchester City coach has addressed speculation suggesting he might depart at the end of the season, despite having a contract that runs until the end of the 2026-27 campaign.
Guardiola's reaction came after reports claimed that there was a growing sentiment within the club that this season could be his last at the helm. However, Guardiola has played down these rumors.
Speaking at a press conference on Friday ahead of Manchester City's Premier League match against West Ham, Guardiola addressed the recurring questions about his future. He stated that he will eventually leave Manchester City, but remains happy and committed. As reported by BBC Sport, Guardiola said, "Sooner or later, I will quit Manchester City. I have 18 months, and I am very happy". He also 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," Guardiola stated.
Guardiola's current contract, signed in November 2024, extends his tenure at the club to over a decade. Since joining City in 2016, he has led the team to numerous successes, including six Premier League titles, one Champions League title, and a host of other trophies.
Amid the speculation, Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca, a former assistant to Guardiola at City, has been mentioned as a potential successor. However, Maresca has dismissed these reports, affirming his commitment to Chelsea, where he is under contract until 2029. "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".
Guardiola expressed some frustration with the repeated inquiries about his future. "In the last three or four years, every time in a certain period, [you] ask me about that question," he said. He added, "So yeah, sooner or later [I will leave], I don't know, with 75 or 76 [years old] I will quit Manchester City, but I understand that question when I have enough contract, but as you said it perfectly, I have 18 months [left on the contract]. So I'm so delighted, happy".
Despite the persistent questions, Guardiola's focus remains on the present. He emphasized his excitement about the team's development and his commitment to the club for the duration of his contract. "Now I'm focusing on West Ham," he stated.
While acknowledging that his departure is inevitable at some point, Guardiola's recent statements suggest that he intends to honor his current contract and continue his successful run with Manchester City.
