According to Maresca rumors
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There have been discussions about Pep Guardiola’s future at Manchester City for some time. The Spaniard, who has been on the sidelines for the Skyblues since the summer of 2016, had often indicated that he wanted to leave the club sooner or later in order to take a break from the football business. When asked about Friday’s rumors that Enzo Maresca from Chelsea could be his successor, the Spaniard confirmed this plan, but also made it clear that he wanted to stay at least until the end of the season.
“When the chapter ends, the club will choose the best to continue this incredible time at Man City. There have been rumors over the last few years, but I want to stay here. At the end of the season we will see,” Guardiola said at the press conference before the Premier League game against West Ham United. His contract currently runs until 2027. However, it remains to be seen whether he will fulfill this. “I’m a strange guy. Maybe I wake up in the morning and say, ‘I’m leaving. Ciao, ciao.'”
With Man City, Guardiola won 18 titles, including six championships and the 2023 Champions League. During his time at the Skyblues, Guardiola received new signings for 2.05 billion euros, by far the highest value for which a coach could ever buy from a club (statistics: coaching expenses per club). In the top five leagues, only Atlético Madrid’s Diego Simeone and Heidenheim’s Frank Schmidt have been in office longer than the former Barcelona and Bayern coach.
And yet Guardiola currently still feels the fire to be able to help the club: “I’m excited because there’s still room for improvement, to make it even better. I like that. Last season was a really, really tough season, but I didn’t give up and stayed there. This season is much better in many ways and I’m still here. It depends on my feelings and at the moment I feel good. That’s why I want to keep going.” After clearly missing out on the championship last year, the Citizens are currently in second place in the Premier League, just two points behind league leaders Arsenal FC (table).