Pep Guardiola has moved to quash mounting speculation about his future at Manchester City, insisting he remains "delighted" at the club and is not planning an imminent departure.
Guardiola's Firm Stance on City Future
The Manchester City manager directly addressed rumours circulating on Friday 19 December 2025 that suggested the current campaign could be his last at the Etihad Stadium. Guardiola, who signed a contract extension tying him to the club until 2027, pointed out he still has 18 months remaining on his current deal.
"I am happy here," Guardiola stated, dismissing the growing narrative about a potential exit. He confirmed that no discussions are currently taking place regarding his future beyond the existing agreement, but characteristically pragmatic, he admitted the club "must be prepared for everything."
Speculation and a Named Successor
The rumours gained traction following a report by The Athletic, which indicated a growing belief within football circles that Guardiola might be considering his position. The same report named Chelsea's current manager, Enzo Maresca, as a potential successor.
Maresca, who previously worked as an assistant to Guardiola at Manchester City, was quick to distance himself from the speculation. The Chelsea boss labelled the links to the City job as "100 per cent speculation," echoing his former mentor's dismissal of the story.
A Recurring Narrative
Guardiola acknowledged that questions about his long-term plans surface almost every season, a reality of his extended and hugely successful tenure. He reiterated his strong connection with the club, its players, and the fans, a bond forged over multiple Premier League title wins and a historic Treble.
While his commitment for the remainder of his contract appears clear, his admission that the club must always be prepared underscores the unpredictable nature of top-level football management. For now, however, the message from the man himself is unequivocal: his focus remains on Manchester City.
