Guardiola reaffirms City contract as Maresca speculation builds

Pep Guardiola has reiterated his desire to stay on at Manchester City despite reports that former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has held talks about potentially taking over at the Etihad.

The long-serving City manager, 54, said last month he intended to see out his contract at City, which runs until the end of the 2026/27 season.

That followed speculation City had identified Maresca, a former assistant of Guardiola’s, as a possible successor to the Spaniard should he decide to step down at the end of this season.

Maresca has since parted company with Chelsea — leaving Stamford Bridge on New Year’s Day.

It is understood the Italian’s exit came after he informed the club he had held talks with City.

Guardiola, who will celebrate the 10th anniversary of his appointment this year, said: “The only (thing) I can say is that Chelsea, I think, from my point of view, lose an incredible, incredible manager, incredible person.

“But this (is a) decision from the hierarchy from Chelsea, so (I have) nothing to say.”

Guardiola, who has won six Premier League titles with City, added: “I have a contract. I said a thousand million times. It’s 10 years here, I will leave one day but I have a contract. I’m happy. I want to fight with my team.

“The hierarchy respect me, that was proved last season with what happened in this club -- we didn’t win one game in two, three months. They supported me.

“I have one more year’s contract. I like to be here, so we will see, you will see.”

Title-chasing City dropped two points in an entertaining 0-0 draw at Sunderland on Thursday, which left them four points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal at the halfway stage of the season.

Guardiola’s men host Chelsea on Sunday and the City boss admits he is not sure what to expect.

“We don’t talk much if we don’t know what the opponent’s going to be like because we don’t know which manager will be sitting (on the bench),” he said.

“I don’t know what’s going to happen so no concern (about that). Think about yourself, what you have to do. That’s going to help us in two tough games like Chelsea and Brighton.”

Meanwhile, Chelsea’s players remain focused despite the club’s sudden managerial upheaval, interim boss Calum McFarlane said on Friday after what he described as a “crazy 24 hours” following Maresca’s New Year’s Day departure.

The club’s under-21s head coach was thrust into the spotlight after Maresca suddenly left amid a poor run of form, with a daunting debut awaiting him.

“It’s been a crazy 24 hours, a whirlwind as you can imagine, but also really enjoyable and exciting. I can only feel positive about it. It’s an amazing experience,” McFarlane told reporters ahead of Sunday’s trip to Manchester.

“You don’t know what to expect really. The energy and enthusiasm in training was exceptional today. They seem really focused, driven and hungry. They know we’ve got a massive game on Sunday and we’re going to have to be at our best.

“They’re professionals. They’ve done this a long time, they’ve been here before. Reece (James) has been brilliant. He’s been a real leader in the group and supported the staff and players.”

Chelsea face a stern test against City, having failed to beat Guardiola’s side across all competitions since the 2021 Champions League final — a run spanning 11 games that include nine defeats.

As McFarlane prepares for his first game in charge of a senior team, he will face a veteran in Guardiola who has managed over 1,000 games and won nearly 40 trophies in his managerial career.

“Ultimately, it’s a football match and it’s not really about me or my first game or playing against Pep, it’s about Chelsea v City. Two top sides,” he added.

Agence France-Presse