Why Man City ‘must prepare’ for my departure — Guardiola

Pep Guardiola has said Manchester City “must be prepared” for his eventual departure, stressing that no manager remains at a club forever even as he continues in his current role.

The City manager spoke amid growing speculation over his future at the Etihad Stadium, with the club understood to have begun identifying possible successors should he decide to leave at the end of the season. Guardiola, however, maintained that there have been no discussions about his exit.

In November 2024, the 54-year-old signed a contract extension that runs until the end of the 2026–27 season.

Asked if he would see out the deal, Guardiola said questions about his future were nothing new.

Man City links ‘100% speculation’ — Maresca

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

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

Pressed further on whether he would still be at City next season, Guardiola added: “I answered that question before. I am here. What’s going to happen, who knows, but if I have 10 years on my contract or six months, football changes a lot.”

City are currently second in the Premier League, two points behind leaders Arsenal, and host West Ham on Saturday.

Since taking charge in 2016, Guardiola has overseen the most successful period in the club’s history, winning six Premier League titles and the UEFA Champions League in the 2022–23 season.

When asked if there had been any talks about leaving before the end of his contract, the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich coach was firm.

“There are no discussions, end of the subject. There are no discussions. I will not be here eternally, but I’ve said before I will not be here forever,” he said.

“None of us will be forever in this world but there are no discussions. What is going to happen will happen and the club has to be prepared for everything, for the players and the CEOs, except the owners.

“They are here unless they are going to sell the club, which I don’t think will happen. The rest, the club has to be prepared but that subject is not on the table right now.”

Amid the speculation, Chelsea manager, Enzo Maresca, who previously worked as Guardiola’s assistant at City, dismissed reports linking him with the role as “100% speculation.”

Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024 and under contract until 2029, said: “It doesn’t affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation. And at this moment, there is no time for these kind of things.

“First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029 probably. And my focus, I said many times, is just about this club and I’m very proud to be here. But again, it’s speculation. One week ago I was in Italy, the same with Juventus. So I don’t pay attention because I know that is not true.

“It’s important to understand why this news was there but it is just speculation.”

Chelsea, who are fourth in the Premier League, face Newcastle on Saturday. Maresca’s comments came days after he said “many people” caused his “worst 48 hours” at the club following a 2-0 win over Everton, remarks that led to talk of tension with senior figures at Stamford Bridge.

When asked if he had spoken with controlling owner Behdad Eghbali and sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart, Maresca said: “We are in the same building, so we speak about different things. But about the Everton press conference, no.”

He also confirmed he expects to remain at Chelsea next season and urged supporters to “continue to support the team.”

Back at City, the uncertainty around Guardiola’s future has prompted internal planning.

It is believed at least two candidates have been identified, though no names have been confirmed. Sporting director Hugo Viana is understood to be leading the process.

A final decision on Guardiola’s future is not expected until later in the season, but the club has begun contingency planning as it prepares for the possibility of change.