Man City 'Must Prepare' For Successor, Says Guardiola

Pep Guardiola says Manchester City "must be prepared" to plan for his departure and eventual successor.

It is understood City have started the process of identifying candidates to replace the Spaniard amid uncertainty over whether he will remain at the club next season.

Meanwhile, Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca, who was previously assistant to Guardiola at City, has said reports describing him as a potential successor to the Spaniard are "100% speculation".

In November 2024, Guardiola signed a new contract which runs until the end of 2026-27.

Asked if he will see out his deal, the 54-year-old said: "The last three or four years at the certain period, I get asked this question. Sooner or later, 75 or 76, I will quit from Manchester City. I understand that question, but I have 18 months, I am so delighted and have been.

"I was so excited with the development of the team, that is all I can say. This question happens every single season, I am OK. The club and myself are well connected and the decision we have to take, what is going to happen will happen."

Pressed on whether he will be at City next season, Guardiola added: "I answered that question before. I am here. What's going to happen, who knows, but if I have 10 years on my contract or six months, football changes a lot."

City, who are two points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal, host West Ham on Saturday (kick-off 15:00 GMT).

Guardiola has established himself as one of the most revered figures in City's history, winning a host of major trophies since being appointed as manager in 2016, including six Premier League titles and the 2022-23 Champions League.

When asked if there had been talks about leaving the club before his contract was up, the ex-Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss said: "There are no discussions - end of the subject. There are no discussions. I will not be here eternally, but I've said before I will not be here forever.

"None of us will be forever in this world but there are no discussions. What is going to happen will happen and the club has to be prepared for everything - for the players and the CEOs, except the owners.

"They are here unless they are going to sell the club, which I don't think will happen.

"The rest, the club has to be prepared but that subject is not on the table right now."

- Authors: Shamoon Hafez, Manchester City reporter, Nizaar Kinsella, Chelsea reporter and Sami Mokbel, Senior football correspondent [BBC]