By Onyeanya Ebere Immaculata
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has reiterated his intention to see out his contract at the club, dismissing speculation linking former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca as a potential successor.
Guardiola, whose deal runs until the end of the 2026/27 season, said he remains happy at the Etihad Stadium and has no plans to step down, despite reports that Maresca, his former assistant, has held talks with City following his exit from Chelsea.
“I have a contract. I said a thousand million times,” Guardiola said. “I’m happy. I want to fight with my team. I like to be here.”
The 54-year-old, who is approaching a decade in charge and has won six Premier League titles with City, said the backing he received during difficult periods last season reaffirmed the trust between him and the club’s hierarchy.
Guardiola also praised Maresca as “an incredible manager and person,” stressing that his departure from Chelsea was a decision taken by the club.
On the pitch, City’s title push stalled with a 0–0 draw against Sunderland on Thursday, leaving them four points behind leaders Arsenal at the halfway point of the season. City face Chelsea on Sunday, with under-21s coach Calum McFarlane set to take interim charge at Stamford Bridge.
