Pep Guardiola stated on Friday that leaving Manchester City is not a consideration at the moment, as his focus is on reclaiming the Premier League title.
Guardiola, 54, is under contract at the Etihad until the end of the 2026/27 season. However, reports this week suggested that City’s management is looking at potential successors should the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich coach decide to depart at the end of this season.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca, who previously worked as Guardiola’s assistant, is reportedly one of the top candidates for the City role.
Nevertheless, speaking to reporters on Friday, Guardiola gave no indication that his tenure at City was nearing an end. His team is once again competing for major trophies after a disappointing
season last year.
With a win at home against struggling West Ham on Saturday, City could briefly top the Premier League.
They are also well-positioned to secure a spot in the Champions League last 16 after defeating Real Madrid in the Spanish capital earlier this month and have reached the League Cup semi-finals on Wednesday.
“The club must be prepared, but that topic is not on the table right now,” Guardiola said regarding his future.
“I understand the question when my contract ends, but as you mentioned, I have 18 months left, so I’m very happy. I am excited about the team’s development and being here.”
City is just two points behind Arsenal at the top of the table after a six-game winning streak in all competitions.
Guardiola, however, believes his young team needs to improve to match his previous six title-winning sides during his nearly 10-year tenure at City.
“Even when results were not great, I said many things were positive,” he noted. “Although we are not yet at the required level to compete for titles, there is room for improvement. That is encouraging.”
Guardiola confirmed that Rodri, Jeremy Doku, and John Stones will miss the West Ham match.
However, he hopes that 2024 Ballon d’Or winner Rodri could return for next weekend’s game against Nottingham Forest.
(With agency inputs)
