Pep Guardiola makes Man City admission after Enzo Maresca sends Chelsea future message

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has been linked with the Manchester City job in recent days, with rumours suggesting that Pep Guardiola could leave the Etihad Stadium next summer

Pep Guardiola says he is happy at Manchester City amid speculation surrounding his future at the club beyond next summer. Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has been linked with replacing Guardiola in the event the 54-year-old leaves the Etihad Stadium in the months ahead.

Recent days have seen mounting suggestions that Guardiola could bring his tenure at the Etihad to a close at the season's end. The Athletic reported this week that City have earmarked Maresca as a candidate should a managerial change occur next summer.

Guardiola's existing deal runs until the summer of 2027, following his latest contract extension signed in November of last year. Football.london reported this week that Chelsea have declined to comment on the rumours that Maresca is being listed as a potential successor for Guardiola at City.

Since arriving at City in 2016, Guardiola has become the Premier League's longest-serving manager, and will mark a decade at the helm when the current campaign concludes.

Speaking ahead of City's Premier League fixture against West Ham this Saturday (3pm), Guardiola addressed reports linking Maresca with the job and outlined his continued commitment to the club. When questioned whether he would remain in charge of City next season, Guardiola replied: "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's contract with Chelsea runs until summer 2029, which includes the option of a one-year extension, and he is currently in his second season at Stamford Bridge, having taken up the role nearly a year and a half ago.

During his tenure at Chelsea, Maresca clinched the UEFA Conference League title in his debut season and led the Blues to FIFA Club World Cup glory in the United States this past summer.

Before joining Chelsea, Maresca was at the helm of Manchester City's academy, later moving to Leicester City in 2023. Now, rumours are swirling about a potential return to Manchester, where he could potentially succeed Guardiola.

Addressing the speculation about him taking over at City should Guardiola depart, Maresca said on Friday: "It doesn't affect me at all. 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."