Guardiola Shrugs Off Maresca Succession Rumors with Contract Defiance

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has delivered a characteristically sharp response to mounting speculation linking newly sacked Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca to his throne at the Etihad Stadium. Addressing a packed press room on Friday ahead of City’s weekend clash with Chelsea, the Spaniard dismissed reports that the club’s hierarchy had already opened talks with Maresca as “just a rumor.” With his typical blend of humor and steel, Guardiola reminded the footballing world that he remains firmly in charge, even as the narrative of his potential 2026 departure gathers pace.

The rumors reached a fever pitch following Maresca’s dramatic New Year’s Day dismissal from Stamford Bridge. Reports emerged suggesting that part of the friction between the Italian and the Chelsea board stemmed from Maresca informing his employers that he had been in contact with Manchester City regarding a future role. When pressed for his take on these alleged back-channel discussions, Guardiola was blunt: “No idea. You have, I’m pretty sure, more info than me,” he told reporters, shifting the focus back to the media’s appetite for speculation.

Despite the shadow of succession planning, Guardiola utilized the platform to reiterate his commitment to the final year of his current contract, which is set to run until the summer of 2027. “You want to fire me? No, good,” he joked when asked if a change was imminent. “My salary is so high. So I have one more year on my contract.” The 54-year-old’s insistence on seeing out his deal comes at a critical juncture for City, who are currently locked in a fierce title pursuit with Arsenal and navigating a challenging Champions League campaign.

While he was dismissive of the gossip, Guardiola did not hold back in his praise for his former assistant. He described Maresca as an “incredible manager and an incredible person,” suggesting that Chelsea had lost a top-tier tactician. The irony of the situation was not lost on the room; City will face a leaderless Chelsea on Sunday, with the man once touted as Guardiola’s “mini-me” now watching from the sidelines. Guardiola noted that the instability at Chelsea makes them an unpredictable opponent, but he urged his players to focus solely on their own tactical execution.

The broader context of Guardiola’s future remains a dominant theme in English football. Having completed nearly a decade in Manchester, every comment he makes is scrutinized for hints of a final “Last Dance.” However, his latest remarks suggest a manager who is far from finished. He credited the City hierarchy for their unwavering support during a difficult spell last season, noting that such loyalty is “extraordinary” in a results-driven business. This bond with the club’s leadership appears to be the primary reason he is in no rush to discuss a successor, let alone step aside.

As Manchester City prepare for the Sunday showdown, the “Maresca to City” story has added a layer of intrigue to an already high-stakes fixture. For Guardiola, the noise is merely part of the job. He made it clear that while the club must eventually prepare for life after him, that subject is not currently on his table. For now, his focus remains on the grass, a high-value contract, and the immediate challenge of ensuring Chelsea’s internal chaos does not distract his side from their quest for a seventh Premier League title.