Pep Guardiola has warned Manchester City they must be ready for a future without him, admitting that no manager can remain in charge forever as speculation grows over his long-term plans at the club.
The 54-year-old, who has transformed City into one of the dominant forces in European football since arriving in 2016, said the club “must be prepared” for his eventual departure, even though he remains under contract until the end of the 2026-27 season.
Guardiola signed his current deal in November 2024, but uncertainty persists over whether he will see it out. Speaking ahead of City’s Premier League clash with West Ham, the Spaniard insisted there have been no talks about an early exit, while acknowledging the reality of football’s constant change.
“I will not be here eternally,” Guardiola said. “None of us will be forever in this world. There are no discussions about leaving, but the club has to be prepared for everything. What is going to happen will happen.”
Pressed on whether he expects to be at City next season, Guardiola was non-committal, repeating that football can shift quickly regardless of contract length. “If I have 10 years on my contract or six months, football changes a lot,” he added.
City sit two points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal and remain firmly in the title race, underlining that Guardiola’s focus remains on the present. Since his appointment, he has delivered six league titles, a Champions League triumph in 2023 and a style of play that has reshaped English football.
Behind the scenes, however, City are understood to have begun identifying potential successors. BBC Sport reports that at least two candidates have been shortlisted, with new sporting director Hugo Viana playing a central role in the process. While succession planning is common at elite clubs, the uncertainty around Guardiola’s future has sharpened City’s due diligence, with even potential signings aware of the possibility of change.
One name linked with the role is Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca, a former assistant to Guardiola at City. The Italian was quick to dismiss the rumours, branding them “100% speculation” and stressing his commitment to Chelsea, where he has a contract until 2029.
“My focus is just about this club,” Maresca said. “One week ago I was linked with Juventus, now it’s City. I don’t pay attention because I know it is not true.”
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Maresca’s comments come at a delicate moment for Chelsea. Despite sitting fourth in the Premier League, reaching the Carabao Cup semi-finals and making progress in Europe, tension has surfaced between the manager and the club’s hierarchy following remarks he described as his “worst 48 hours” since taking the job.
Asked about his relationship with the ownership and sporting directors, Maresca played down concerns but offered no sign of reconciliation. “We are in the same building, so we speak,” he said, while confirming he expects to remain in charge next season and urging fans to continue backing the team.
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