Pep Guardiola’s future is once again dominating the media as the Manchester City boss again found himself addressing questions about his future, offering a candid response as speculation continues to swirl around his long-term stay at the club.
The Catalan coach, who has become one of the most influential figures in English football since arriving at the Etihad Stadium in 2016, acknowledged that his time at the club will eventually come to an end, even as he remains fully focused on the present.
Reports earlier this week suggested that Pep Guardiola‘s future at City remains uncertain as he could be considering an exit from the club. Some stories even linking Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca with a dramatic return to the north-west.
While such claims have been met with scepticism, they reflect the constant attention surrounding a manager whose success has reshaped City’s history and raised expectations across the Premier League.
Guardiola’s record since joining City is remarkable. He has guided the club to six Premier League titles, lifted the FA Cup twice and finally delivered the Champions League, a trophy that had long eluded the club.
Beyond the silverware, his influence can be seen in the team’s playing style, youth development and the club’s global reputation. Yet, despite this sustained success, questions about how long he will remain in Manchester refuse to go away.
Speaking ahead of City’s league meeting with West Ham, Guardiola chose not to dismiss the rumours outright. Instead, he offered a realistic assessment of life in modern football, where long-term certainty is rare and change is often unavoidable.
His words were calm rather than dramatic, reflecting a manager who understands both his own limits and the unpredictable nature of the sport.
Guardiola addresses the rumours head-on
During his pre-match press conference, Guardiola was asked directly about his future and the ongoing speculation. His response was clear and characteristically honest.
“I always get asked this question, so sooner or later I will quit Manchester City,” he revealed.
The statement immediately grabbed attention, not because it suggested an imminent departure, but because of its straightforward acceptance of reality.
Guardiola did not attach a timeline to his comment, nor did he indicate dissatisfaction with his current role. Instead, he acknowledged that no manager stays forever, regardless of success.
He went on to explain that his focus remains firmly on the present, pointing out that he still has time left on his contract and is content with how the team is progressing.
“I have 18 months, so I’m so happy with the development of the team. That question is there every single season at some point. Whatever is going to happen will happen.”
Guardiola was keen to shut down the idea that there are active talks behind the scenes about his departure. He stressed that there are no ongoing discussions and made it clear that speculation should not be mistaken for reality.
“They are not discussions. End of the subject. I will not be here forever. What is going to happen will happen. The club must be prepared.”
Amid unending speculations regarding Pep Guardiola’s future, the manager has often spoken about the importance of long-term planning, and his comments suggested that Manchester City, like any top club, should always be ready for transition. Even the most successful periods eventually come to an end, and stability comes from being prepared rather than clinging to the past.
He also highlighted how quickly circumstances can change in football, regardless of contracts or intentions.
“What’s going to happen, who knows? Even if I have a 10-year contract or six months, football changes a lot.”
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To reinforce his calm mindset, Guardiola finished the discussion on a personal note, revealing that his immediate thoughts were far removed from rumours and headlines.
“Now I am focusing on West Ham and then golf after a few days with my dad and that is all.”
Title race focus as City chase Arsenal
While questions about Guardiola’s future continue to attract attention, Manchester City’s immediate concern remains the Premier League title race.
As things stand, City are second in the table, trailing leaders Arsenal by just two points. With the season reaching a crucial stage, every match carries significant weight.
City’s clash with West Ham on Saturday offers an opportunity to apply pressure on their title rivals. A win at the Etihad would see Guardiola’s side move ahead of Arsenal, at least temporarily, before the Gunners face Everton later in the evening. Such scenarios are familiar territory for City, who have often thrived when chasing rather than leading.
Guardiola’s experience in high-pressure run-ins has been one of City’s greatest strengths. His teams are known for maintaining consistency and focus during decisive periods, often capitalising on small margins that make the difference between winning and falling short.