Manchester City supporters have grown used to rumors about Pep Guardiola’s future. Every season seems to bring fresh speculation about who might one day take over from the man who reshaped English football in his image. This time, however, the conversation heated up quickly after Enzo Maresca’s sudden departure from Chelsea.
With Maresca once considered one of Guardiola’s brightest protégés, whispers about a possible succession plan spread across Europe almost overnight. Pep finally addressed the noise and made his position very clear.
Enzo Maresca did not leave Chelsea quietly. His abrupt departure raised eyebrows, especially given how recently he had been appointed and how publicly the club had backed his project. Within days, reports began linking his exit to alleged conversations about a long-term future at Manchester City.
Maresca’s name naturally carried weight in this context. He had previously worked within City’s coaching structure, including time in their youth development setup, and had a close working relationship with Guardiola. That alone made him an easy target for speculation.
Pep’s reaction, though, was telling. Instead of dismissing Maresca with formal politeness, he praised him warmly. He described the Italian as a manager with exceptional qualities, both professionally and personally, and acknowledged that Chelsea were losing someone special.
That praise alone added fuel to the rumor mill. Fans interpreted it as a quiet endorsement, while pundits questioned whether City were preparing for life after Pep. But Guardiola quickly shut down any suggestion that Maresca’s Chelsea exit was part of a City succession plan.
He emphasized that his focus remains entirely on the present and that he has no intention of leaving before his contract runs its course.
In simple terms, Guardiola made it clear. He is not going anywhere yet.
Guardiola has never hidden that he will eventually step away from management. Coaching at the very top is demanding, mentally exhausting, and rarely sustainable forever. But his recent comments offered reassurance to City fans.
He stressed that he is under contract, feels fully supported by the club’s hierarchy, and remains motivated to keep pushing his squad forward. He also pointed out that City stood by him during difficult stretches last season, which reinforced his loyalty to the club.
For supporters, that loyalty matters. Guardiola has delivered historic success, turning City into a global football powerhouse. The idea of a smooth succession is appealing, but the reality is that Pep still sees unfinished business in Manchester.
