Pep Guardiola sends Man City 'quit' message after Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca linked to job

Pep Guardiola has spoken about his future at Manchester City amid rumours he could leave the Etihad Stadium next summer, while Chelsea's Enzo Maresca has been touted as a potential replacement

Pep Guardiola has stated he is "delighted" to be Manchester City manager amid rumours he could leave the club next summer. Rumours have been swirling in recent days that Guardiola could call time on his career at the Etihad Stadium at the end of the season.

Guardiola was speaking ahead of Man City's clash against West Ham in the Premier League this Saturday (3pm), with reports claiming that Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca is being viewed as a potential successor.

The Athletic have reported this week that City have identified Maresca as one potential option to replace Guardiola in the event of a change in manager taking place next summer.

Guardiola's current contract runs until the summer of 2027, having most recently put pen to paper on fresh terms in November last year.

City first appointed Guardiola in 2016, making the 54-year-old the longest-serving manager in the Premier League, and he will reach a decade in charge of the club when the season draws to a close.

When asked if he will still be City boss next season, Guardiola answered: "I am here.

“The last three or four years every time someone asks me that question. Sooner or later, when I'm 75 or 76, I will quit City," he added.

“I understand the question but I have 18 months left and I am so delighted. That question happens every single season and I'm okay.

“There are no discussions - end of the subject. I will not be here eternal here, 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. The club has to be prepared but that subject is not on the table right now.”

Maresca is under contract at Chelsea until the summer of 2029, with the option of a further year, and is midway through his second season at Stamford Bridge after being appointed almost 18 months ago.

During his time at Chelsea, Maresca won the UEFA Conference League in his first season and guided the Blues to the FIFA Club World Cup title in the United States in the summer.

Maresca previously worked at City as the club's academy boss before making the switch to Leicester City in 2023. He is now being linked with a return to Manchester, where – this time – he would be Guardiola's successor if an appointment is made.

On Friday, Maresca also addressed the speculation linking him with the job at City in the event Guardiola leaves the Etihad.

"It doesn't affect me at all," Maresca said. "I know that it is 100% speculation, and in this moment, there is no time for these things. I have a contract here until 2029 and my focus is about this club.

"I'm very proud to be here. It's speculation. One week ago, it was the same with Juventus so I don't pay attention. Again, it's just speculation.

"It's important to understand the reason why this news was there, but it's not my job. I don't care at all and the focus is on the Newcastle game."