Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola was asked about reports that Enzo Maresca has been groomed as his successor after the Italian was sacked by Chelsea ahead of the two clubs meeting
Manchester City Manager Pep Guardiola with Chelsea Manager Enzo Maresca during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Chelsea FC at Etihad Stadium on January 25, 2025 in Manchester, England
Pep Guardiola has an extremely high opinion of Enzo Maresca
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Pep Guardiola has told Chelsea that they've lost an "incredible manager" in the form of Enzo Maresca. The former Manchester City assistant and academy coach's abrupt departure from Stamford Bridge comes just before their clash with City, leaving a void in the away dugout at the Etihad on Sunday.
There were many reasons behind Maresca's sudden exit at Stamford Bridge, including poor recent form, him going against the advice of medical staff and tension over a say on transfers. But one major factor was the links to him becoming Guardiola's successor at City.
The Guardian have claimed that Maresca told Chelsea he had held talks over that possibility, having previously enjoyed two spells at City and worked under the Catalan. Guardiola typically avoids commenting on managerial departures, but made an exception on Friday.
Guardiola brushed off further queries about his future amidst the reports that City had been in talks with Maresca prior to his Chelsea exit, expressing gratitude for the backing he received from his superiors during a challenging period last season.
"We won't talk much if we don't know which manager will be there and I don't know what's going to happen, concern is thinking about yourself and our people are going to help us with two tough games against Chelsea and Brighton," said Guardiola, as reported by Manchester Evening News. "Chelsea have always been dangerous and the Premier League is dangerous every game.
"All I can say is that from my point of view Chelsea have lost an incredible manager and an incredible person. It's a decision from the Chelsea hierarchy so I've nothing to say. How lucky I am in the club where I am. My club is extraordinary.
"I have a contract. I say a thousand million times, I know you're bored of me, I've been here for ten years and I promise you I will leave one day but I have a contract, I'm happy, I want to fight with my team, the hierarchy respect me - they proved last season when we didn't win one game in three months and they supported me."
LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 30: Enzo Maresca, Manager of Chelsea walks on the pitch after the Premier League match between Chelsea and Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge on December 30, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Eddie Keogh/Getty Images)
Enzo Maresca parted company with Chelsea on New Year's Day
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Guardiola's high opinion of Maresca is no surprise. The Italian had two spells working at City and Guardiola described him as "one of the best in the world" in early December, ramping up speculation he could be being groomed as his successor.
When asked about that possibility last month, Maresca said: "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100 per cent speculation. And at this moment, there is no time for these kind of things. First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029 probably. And my focus, I said many times, is just about this club, and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's speculation.
"One week ago I was in Italy, the same with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true. It's important to understand why this news was there but it is just speculation."
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