Pep Guardiola makes ‘promise’ in fresh update on Manchester City future amid Enzo Maresca links | OneFootball

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has been forced into issuing further comment on his Etihad Stadium future following Enzo Maresca’s exit from Chelsea.

Speculation surrounding Guardiola’s long-term position has intensified in recent days, particularly following Maresca’s dismissal at Stamford Bridge and suggestions that contact with Manchester City figures played a role in that decision.

While Manchester City have remained consistent in their messaging, the narrative has persisted as Pep Guardiola approaches the latter stages of his current contract.

The timing of the discussion also comes amid a testing period on the pitch for Manchester City after a goalless draw away to Sunderland saw Guardiola’s side fall further behind Arsenal in the Premier League title race despite a dominant second-half performance.

Off the pitch, however, attention has again turned to Pep Guardiola’s future beyond the current campaign, despite his contract running until the end of the 2026/27 season and questions around succession planning and internal conversations at the Etihad Stadium becoming a regular theme during media duties.

Speaking to reporters ahead of the contest with Chelsea on Sunday, Pep Guardiola was made aware of reports suggesting that part of the reason behind Enzo Maresca’s Stamford Bridge dismissal was talks with those at Manchester City over potentially succeeding the Catalan.

“No idea. You have, I’m pretty sure, more info than me,” Guardiola responded. When pushed for further update on the possibility of him leaving the club, the 54-year-old said, “What can I give you an update about an opinion that I don’t know about this opinion – it’s just a rumour.

“So, I’m sorry, I’m not going to answer that… You want to fire me? No, good,” he continued. My salary is so high. So I have one more year.”

Before departing media duties, Guardiola was asked one final time as to whether he would be Manchester City manager at the start of the 2026/27 season, to which he said, “Oh my god. I have a contract, I said a thousand million times.

“I know you are bored of me, it’s 10 years here. I’m pretty sure of that. I will leave one day, I promise you. I promise you. But I have a contract, I’m happy, I want to fight with my team. The hierarchy respects me, that proves last season what happened in this club that we didn’t win one game in three months. They support me, so what can I do?”

Guardiola concluded, “I want to try and do it, but maybe one day. I don’t know, but I have one more year contract, I’d like to be here so we will see. We will see. I’ve said a thousand million times about that, but… my credibility is zero, right?”

Pep Guardiola’s comments are consistent with previous briefings, where he has stressed his happiness at the club and the backing he receives from Manchester City’s hierarchy, even during difficult spells.

As reported earlier this season, Manchester City have shown no urgency to force a decision while Pep Guardiola remains fully committed. What happens next is likely to depend less on external speculation and more on Guardiola’s own energy and motivation.

With major fixtures ahead and City still competing across multiple fronts, the focus inside the club remains firmly on the present rather than succession planning. For now, Pep Guardiola’s “promise” appears to be one of transparency, even if the questions refuse to go away.