Man City ‘must prepare’ for successor, says Guardiola

In light of uncertainty over his future employment with the club next season, it is believed that City have begun the search for replacements.

Enzo Maresca, the former assistant to Guardiola at City, has resigned as Chelsea manager, saying that there is “100% speculation” in what reports have been made about him as a potential replacement for the Spaniard.

Guardiola resigned from his position until the end of 2026-27 in November 2024.

He declared on Friday, “I’m happy here, I want to stay here.” What can I say? Results always make the decision.

The club will pick the best chapter to carry on this incredible era in Man City until the [end of the] chapter.

“I want to stay here despite rumors that have been spread over the years.” We’ll see when the season comes to an end.

For the first time since 2016-17, City failed to win any significant domestic silverware during their underwhelming 2024-25 campaign.

After a summer rebuild, Guardiola appears to relish the challenge of competing on all fronts.

There is room to improve, to do it better, so I’m excited. He claimed that is what he enjoys.

“It was a really, really tough season last year, but I persevered and was there.” In terms of many things I’m seeing, this season is much better, but I’m still here.

“It depends on my feelings,” I said. I want to keep going because of this.

“It’s going to change,” the statement read. Perhaps, I’m not sure. But I’m not feeling that right now. I want to play as many games as possible with the players at this time.

Since joining City in 2016, Guardiola has led the club to 15 significant awards, with the exception of the Community Shield, having previously had trophy-filled spells at Barcelona and Bayern Munich.

He stated that it was about maintaining competitiveness at the highest level rather than a specific time frame for a potential departure.

With two games left, we are fourth in the Champions League, we are fourth in the Premier League, we are [up]there, and we have the Carabao Cup semi-final. That is what inspired me to get up early this morning, according to Guardiola.

The team needs to be better, I must imagine. When we’re more resilient, we create more chances and give up more of them, winning them all at once. That’s the point. The main reason is that.

Guardiola continued, “I already answered that question. I will be at City next season.” I’m here. Who knows what will happen, but football will change significantly if I have ten or six years on my contract.

When asked if there were any rumors linking him to a job at City, the Italian replied, “It doesn’t bother me at all because I know that is completely speculative. There is no such thing as it is at this time.

First of all, I’m working here until 2029, which is probably. And I’ve said it before that my main concern is this club, which is why I’m so happy to be here. It’s speculating, though. I spent a week in Italy, and Juventus is the same. I don’t pay attention to that because I am aware that is untrue.

“It’s crucial to understand that this news exists, but it’s just speculation.”

At 12:30 on Saturday, fourth-placed Chelsea will face Newcastle in the Premier League.

Maresca made the comments after saying that “many people” contributed to his worst 48 hours since joining Chelsea following their 2-0 victory over Everton last weekend.

The manager and controlling owner Behdad Eghbali, along with Laurence Stewart, the two men who made those remarks, are thought to have a rift, according to Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart.

When asked if he had spoken with those key figures, Maresca responded, “We are in the same building, so we speak about different things. However, no, not the Everton press conference.

When asked if Maresca would stay with the club next season, Maresca then responded “absolutely, yes,” and urged fans to “continue to support the team.”

Sami Mokbel, a senior football correspondent,

The club began to look for potential replacements for Guardiola as a result of the sense of a potential change at City.

At least two candidates have already been identified, despite the lack of confirmation of any names at this time.

According to BBC Sport, potential newcomers are also aware of Guardiola’s potential exit at the end of the season.

Hugo Viana, the club’s sporting director, has a significant role in compiling the manager shortlist for Guardiola’s departure.

Vers the end of this season, he won’t be able to make a final decision regarding his contract extension.

Maresca’s superiors’ conflict is an open wound that still causes pain.

The Italian’s original comments have not been escalated, but there have also been no explanations or resolutions.

There is a concern that these press conferences’ tone will undermine what should have been a good season opener.

Chelsea, who are fourth in the Premier League, are currently in the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup, have won their last two league-phase games to avoid the Champions League play-off round.

Could a squad that was only starting to appear content, though, be beginning to experience this uncertainty?