Pep Guardiola has firmly played down speculation surrounding his future, insisting that he alone will decide when the time is right to leave Manchester City — as shockwaves from Enzo Maresca’s sudden departure from Chelsea continue to ripple across the Premier League.
The football world was stunned when Chelsea announced their split with Maresca on New Year’s Day, and the situation quickly became entangled with rumours involving Guardiola’s long-term successor at the Etihad Stadium. Reports suggested that one factor behind Chelsea’s decision was the belief that Maresca had held informal talks with representatives of Manchester City regarding a potential move to replace Guardiola next season.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of Sunday’s heavyweight clash between Manchester City and Chelsea, Guardiola appeared relaxed, confident, and characteristically playful as he shut down talk of an imminent exit. The City boss reminded reporters that he still has 18 months left on his contract — and, more importantly, that the final call will be his.
“I will decide,” Guardiola said bluntly, making it clear that neither rumours nor external pressure will dictate the end of his decade-long reign at the Etihad.
Guardiola Jokes About His Salary as City Stand Firm
Guardiola even joked that his substantial salary could be a problem for anyone thinking of forcing him out.
“You want to sack me? My salary is very high,” he laughed. “I still have one year left on my contract.”
The remark underlined just how secure Guardiola remains within the club’s hierarchy. His relationship with the board continues to be strong, and there is no sense that City’s leadership is ready to usher him out — even if, as he joked, fans or journalists might be growing tired of seeing him after nearly ten years in charge.
For Guardiola, enjoyment in his work and unwavering backing from the board remain the key reasons he has no intention of stepping away from the Premier League challenge anytime soon.
Guardiola Believes Chelsea Made a Huge Mistake Letting Maresca Go
When pressed on rumours that Manchester City had already made contact with Maresca, Guardiola was emphatic.
“I have no idea at all,” he said. “Honestly, I think you know more than I do. It’s just speculation, and I won’t comment on it.”
That said, Guardiola did not hide his admiration for his former assistant. He described Maresca as “an incredible person and a fantastic manager” and revealed that he plans to reach out privately following Maresca’s abrupt exit from Stamford Bridge.
Guardiola also offered his perspective on Chelsea’s decision, suggesting it was a major loss for the London club.
“From my point of view, Chelsea have lost a top manager and a great human being,” he said. “But it’s their decision. I can’t say much more than that.”
His comments reflected a deep belief in Maresca’s ability — and perhaps a quiet sense of regret that a rival club chose to act on doubts about loyalty that may never have been proven.
Why City See No Need for a Managerial Reset
Despite external voices suggesting that Manchester City might soon need fresh energy on the touchline, Guardiola reiterated that he remains fully committed.
“I promise you, one day I will leave,” he said. “But right now, I still have a contract. I am happy here, and I want to keep fighting with my team.”
He also thanked the board for their continued trust, particularly during difficult spells last season when City endured a rare run of poor results. At no point, Guardiola stressed, did the club hesitate in its support.
That mutual loyalty has shielded him from outside pressure. Guardiola ended the press conference with a familiar touch of irony, smiling as he asked, “So my credibility is zero now, right?”
For City supporters, his words should ease fears sparked by rumours of Maresca stepping in. Still, in modern football — especially in an era where managerial seats are perpetually hot — every moment between now and the summer will remain under intense scrutiny.
Fans eager to follow Sunday’s high-profile showdown between Manchester City and Chelsea can watch the action live via 1klive Click , an online football streaming platform providing real-time coverage of Premier League matches and major leagues across Europe.
