Manchester – December 19, 2025 – Pep Guardiola has acknowledged that Manchester City must be prepared to plan for his eventual departure, even as he insists he remains fully committed to the club and has no immediate plans to step away from his role as manager.
Speaking ahead of City’s Premier League clash with West Ham, Guardiola said succession planning was a natural responsibility for a club of City’s stature, while stressing that his motivation and enthusiasm remain strong.
“I’m happy here. I want to stay here,” Guardiola said. “But when the chapter is finished, the club will choose the best person to continue this incredible period at Manchester City.”
City Begin Early Succession Planning
BBC Sport understands that Manchester City have begun the process of identifying potential successors to Guardiola amid uncertainty over whether he will remain at the club beyond the current season. While no names have been officially confirmed, it is believed that at least two candidates have already been considered internally.
Guardiola signed a contract extension in November 2024, keeping him at the Etihad Stadium until the end of the 2026–27 season. However, the 54-year-old has repeatedly stated he will not stay at City indefinitely.
“I will not be here eternally,” he said. “Football changes a lot. What happens next season or the one after, who knows?”
The club’s new sporting director Hugo Viana, appointed earlier this year, is understood to be playing a key role in compiling a shortlist of possible replacements should Guardiola decide to step down.
Guardiola Still Motivated by City’s Challenge
Despite talk of succession, Guardiola made it clear he is far from finished at City. After an underwhelming 2024–25 season, when the club failed to win a major domestic trophy for the first time since 2016–17, City have responded with a summer rebuild and a renewed title challenge.
“This season is much better in many things I’m seeing,” Guardiola said. “There is margin to improve, and that excites me. That’s why I’m still here.”
City currently sit two points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal, are fourth in their Champions League group with two games remaining, and have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals.
“That is what motivates me to wake up early,” Guardiola added. “When I feel I cannot make the team better anymore, then I will go home. But I still have that feeling.”
Since arriving in 2016, Guardiola has led City to 15 major trophies, excluding Community Shields, cementing one of the most dominant eras in English football history.
Enzo Maresca Plays Down Man City Links
Meanwhile, Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca, a former assistant to Guardiola at Manchester City, has dismissed reports linking him with a potential return to the Etihad as “pure speculation”.
Maresca, who was appointed Chelsea manager in June 2024, is under contract until 2029, with an option for an additional year.
“It doesn’t affect me at all because I know it’s 100% speculation,” Maresca said. “My focus is only on Chelsea, and I’m very proud to be here.”
The Italian also noted that he has previously been linked with other clubs, including Juventus, and said such rumours are a regular part of football management.
Chelsea Tensions and Focus on Results
Maresca’s comments come amid reports of tension at Chelsea following remarks he made after a 2–0 win over Everton, which he described as his “worst 48 hours” since joining the club. Those comments sparked speculation about a rift with Chelsea’s ownership group and sporting directors.
Asked whether the situation had been resolved, Maresca said discussions with senior figures were ongoing but confirmed he had not specifically revisited the Everton press conference comments.
Despite the noise, Chelsea sit fourth in the Premier League, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and remain in contention to avoid the Champions League play-off round.
“I will absolutely be here next season,” Maresca said, urging supporters to continue backing the team.
There was also positive injury news, with forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian potentially returning earlier than expected for Chelsea’s match against Aston Villa on December 27.
City’s Due Diligence Under Spotlight
While succession planning is common practice at elite clubs, the uncertainty surrounding Guardiola’s long-term future has sharpened focus on Manchester City’s internal preparations. BBC Sport understands that even potential new signings are aware of the possibility that Guardiola could leave before the end of his contract.
A final decision on whether Guardiola will see out his deal is not expected until later in the season, leaving City balancing continuity with long-term planning.
For now, Guardiola remains firmly in charge — motivated, competitive, and determined to keep City at the top of English and European football.
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