Speculation surrounding the future of Pep Guardiola at Manchester City has once again resurfaced. However, the Spanish tactician has firmly dismissed any suggestion that the current season could be his last at the Etihad Stadium, making it clear that he has no intention of stepping away anytime soon.
In fact, Guardiola responded to the rumors with a trademark blend of calm authority and humor. When asked about a possible departure, the 54-year-old joked that he might only consider leaving Manchester City at a very advanced age.
“Maybe when I am 75 or 76 years old,” Guardiola said with a smile, instantly shutting down speculation that his time with The Citizens is nearing its end.
Exit Rumors Resurface Ahead of Christmas Fixture
Guardiola’s remarks came amid growing reports suggesting that Enzo Maresca is being prepared as a potential successor. Those rumors intensified ahead of City’s final match before Christmas, a home fixture against West Ham United at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, December 20, 2025.
Despite the noise, the reality tells a different story. Guardiola remains under a long-term contract with Manchester City, running until the end of the 2026/2027 season. He signed a two-year extension in November 2024, at a time when City were navigating a brief dip in form, a move that underlined the club’s continued faith in his leadership.
Approaching a Decade in Manchester
The upcoming season will mark nearly a decade since Guardiola arrived in Manchester, a period that has defined an era of dominance in English football. Across his managerial career, Guardiola has overseen 1,008 matches, with more than half of those—558 games—coming during his tenure at Manchester City.
It is a statistic that highlights just how deeply intertwined Guardiola has become with the club’s identity.
“Over the last three or four years, there has always been one moment when this question comes up,” Guardiola said during a press conference on Friday, December 19, 2025. “I understand it when my contract is close to ending. But right now, I still have 18 months left.”
He was quick to emphasize his current mindset.
“I am very happy here. I am excited about how the team is developing, and I truly enjoy being here,” he added.
No Talks Over a New Contract—For Now
While Guardiola is committed to the present, he acknowledged that there have been no discussions regarding another contract extension beyond 2027. Still, he insisted that this should not be interpreted as a sign of an imminent departure.
“There is no discussion. Full stop. No discussion,” Guardiola stated firmly. “I will not be here forever. Nobody is eternal in this world. But for now, this topic is not on the table.”
The City manager underlined that his relationship with the club’s hierarchy remains strong and transparent. Decision-making, he said, continues to be a shared process built on trust and long-term planning.
“Sooner or later, that moment will arrive,” Guardiola said, referring to an eventual separation. “But when the time comes, it should happen naturally. The club and I are very connected when it comes to decisions.”
Stability Over Speculation
Guardiola’s calm approach stands in contrast to the constant speculation that often surrounds elite managers. At a club that has set unprecedented standards in domestic competition, the idea of succession planning is inevitable. However, Guardiola’s comments suggest there is no immediate urgency to accelerate that process.
Rumors linking Chelsea and Enzo Maresca to a future role at City have been temporarily cooled by Guardiola’s clarity. For now, the focus remains firmly on the pitch and on sustaining City’s competitive edge in both domestic and European competitions.
A Legacy Still Being Written
Since his arrival, Guardiola has transformed Manchester City into one of the most dominant teams in modern football. His tactical innovations, emphasis on positional play, and relentless demand for excellence have reshaped expectations across the Premier League.
Yet Guardiola himself remains grounded about his role.
“I don’t think about legacy every day,” he has often said in previous interviews. “I think about tomorrow’s training session, about how to make the players better.”
That mindset appears unchanged. Despite nearing a decade at the club, Guardiola continues to speak with enthusiasm about the evolution of his squad and the challenges ahead.
Focus Remains on the Present
As Manchester City prepare to navigate the demanding festive period, Guardiola’s message is clear: his attention is firmly on the here and now. Contract talk, succession plans, and future hypotheticals are secondary to performance, development, and results.
For supporters, his words offer reassurance. For rivals, they signal continuity. And for the club itself, they reinforce the stability that has been a hallmark of City’s success under Guardiola.
While the day may eventually come when Pep Guardiola steps away from the Etihad Stadium, it is clearly not on the immediate horizon. As he jokingly suggested, that moment may still be decades away.
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