Pep Guardiola has moved decisively to quash speculation about his future at Manchester City, stating there have been "no discussions" about him leaving the club this summer. The manager, whose current deal runs until the end of the 2026-27 season, emphatically shut down rumours of an early departure during a press conference on Friday 19 December 2025.
Guardiola's Firm Commitment to City Project
The Spaniard, who will mark a decade at the Etihad Stadium next summer, addressed recent reports that the club was considering contingency plans. These had linked Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca as a potential successor should Guardiola decide to stand down. However, the decorated manager made his position abundantly clear.
"I have 18 months left and I am so delighted and happy and excited about the development of the team and being there," Guardiola stated. He expressed slight weariness at the perennial nature of the question, joking that "Sooner or later, when I'm 75 or 76, I will quit Manchester City!" He stressed that the subject of his exit is "not on the table right now."
Club Prepared for All Eventualities
While reaffirming his own commitment, Guardiola acknowledged that the club must always plan for the long term. "The club and I are incredibly connected in terms of the decisions we have to take," he explained. "What is going to happen will happen and the club has to be prepared for everything – for the players and the CEOs."
He confirmed his immediate focus is purely on football matters, starting with the upcoming Premier League fixture against West Ham. A victory could see City temporarily top the table. "Now I'm focused on West Ham and go for a few days with my dad and that's all," he said, outlining his plans before matches against Nottingham Forest, Sunderland, Brighton, and Chelsea.
Squad Updates Ahead of West Ham Clash
Guardiola also provided a team news update ahead of Saturday's crucial match. Key players Rodri, John Stones, and Jeremy Doku remain sidelined through injury. Furthermore, the squad has been impacted by the Africa Cup of Nations, with Omar Marmoush and Rayan Ait-Nouri now on international duty.
Despite these absences, the manager expressed confidence in his squad's readiness. "We are prepared. We know how difficult that is," he said, paying respect to West Ham's "top-class players." He concluded with a determined: "but we are ready."
With his contract firmly in place and his enthusiasm for the team's development undimmed, Pep Guardiola's message is one of stability and continued ambition for Manchester City.
