Pep Guardiola sends warning to Chelsea over 'incredible manager' Enzo Maresca amid Man City claims

Pep Guardiola has told Chelsea they have lost an 'incredible manager' after Enzo Maresca's exit before addressing his own future following claims Manchester City approached the Italian

Pep Guardiola has warned Chelsea that they have parted ways with an 'incredible manager' following Enzo Maresca's departure from the club before their clash with Manchester City.

The former City assistant and academy coach will be absent from the away dugout at the Etihad this weekend after a chaotic and sudden conclusion to his tenure at Stamford Bridge.

Whilst Guardiola typically avoids commenting on managerial departures, he made an exception to praise the attributes of his former colleague. Although the upheaval at Chelsea may complicate the Blues' preparation for the fixture, the City boss will no longer face a tactician who has orchestrated triumphs over Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona and Liverpool in recent months.

City have the opportunity to establish a 13-point gap over fifth-placed Chelsea with victory on Sunday and are targeting success in both the Premier League and Champions League this campaign after squad reconstruction.

Guardiola showed little interest in further speculation about his own future amid suggestions City had approached Maresca prior to his Chelsea departure, but expressed appreciation for the backing he has received from his superiors following a challenging period last season.

"We won't talk much if we don't know which manager will be there and I don't know what's going to happen, concern is thinking about yourself and our people are going to help us with two tough games against Chelsea and Brighton," Guardiola said.

"Chelsea have always been dangerous and the Premier League is dangerous every game.", reports the Manchester Evening News.

"All I can say is that from my point of view Chelsea have lost an incredible manager and an incredible person. It's a decision from the Chelsea hierarchy so I've nothing to say. How lucky I am in the club where I am. My club is extraordinary.

"I have a contract. I say a thousand million times, I know you're bored of me, I've been here for ten years and I promise you I will leave one day but I have a contract, I'm happy, I want to fight with my team, the hierarchy respect me - they proved last season when we didn't win one game in three months and they supported me."