Pep Guardiola has once again silenced speculation over his future at Manchester City, making it clear he has no intention of leaving the club before the end of his contract. Speaking ahead of City’s Premier League game against Chelsea, Guardiola sounded visibly frustrated by repeated exit rumors and reiterated that he remains fully committed to his contract, which runs until the summer of 2027.
The City boss has addressed the growing chatter surrounding his role and the suggestion that a potential successor is already being loomed. Guardiola stressed at his pre-match press conference that he still has a year left on his contract and sees no reason to revisit the topic. His comments come amid reports links his former assistant Enzo Maresca to a future role at the Etihad one day Guardiola’s tenure will eventually end.
“My God, I’ve made a contract, I’ve said it a million times,” Guardiola said. “I know people are tired of me after 10 years here, but I still have a year left and I’m happy.”
“I want to fight for my team. The management respects me, they did it last season. We didn’t win a single game for three months and they still supported me. What else can I ask for?”
Guardiola also took time to comment on Maresco’s recent departure from Chelsea, offering strong words of support for his former assistant despite the circumstances surrounding his exit.
“Let me say that Chelsea, from my point of view, have lost an incredible, incredible manager, an incredible person,” Guardiola said.
“But it’s the decision of the Chelsea hierarchy, so there’s nothing to add.”
Reports in recent weeks have suggested that Maresca has held talks with several Premier League clubs, including Manchester City, for a possible long-term role when Guardiola’s contract expires. While Guardiola chose not to address the claims directly, his firm stance underlined his determination to remain fully focused on the present.
On the pitch, City are second in the 2025-26 Premier League standings, four points behind leaders Arsenal. A frustrating 0-0 draw against Sunderland on January 1 saw Guardiola’s side drop valuable points, increasing the importance of Chelsea’s upcoming game.
With the title race well set and questions still looming over his future, Guardiola made it clear that his priority remains unchanged. The Spaniard is now focused on chasing trophies, confident in the support of City’s management and is determined to write the final chapters of his contract on his own terms.
– The end
Issued by:
Debodinna Chakraborty
Published on:
January 3, 2026
