Manchester City bosses got worried after recent talks with Josep Guardiola. Top managers got this feeling — the Spaniard plans to leave the team in summer. The Athletic writes about it citing sources close to the club. Pep himself stays quiet and keeps his cards hidden.
Enzo Maresca, the main candidate for his spot, already spoke up. Chelsea’s manager called these talks empty speculation. He firmly dismissed rumors about a possible move to Manchester. Yet City already prepares a list of successors, though the Catalan’s contract runs until 2027.
Why exactly Maresca
The Italian knows City’s inner workings perfectly. He used to be Guardiola’s assistant, then led the youth team. Such experience gives massive advantage. In 2023 Maresca left Manchester, but his career only took off:
- Took over Leicester. Team played fresh football.
- Year later moved to Chelsea. Quickly became one of their own.
- Brought the Blues victory in Conference League.
- Won Club World Championship — nice bonus for his resume.
The specialist is only 45, but already shows tactical flexibility. Knows how to squeeze maximum from young players. City management sees continuation of their own philosophy in his style. Fans debate this topic hotly, many check fresh news on 1xbet — want to catch important details.
Maresca fights off journalists
“I don’t have time for this stuff,” Maresca cut short at the press conference. He has an active deal with Chelsea until 2029, and all focus stays there now. Reminded journalists — week ago Italians wrote about Juventus. Ben Jacobs shared his words on social media.
You can understand him. Why rock the boat mid-season? Chelsea clings to top spots in the table, and talk about manager leaving could ruin everything. Those planning to download 1xbet for Premier League betting watch the situation closely — outcome affects odds for both teams.
Guardiola breaks records
And the Catalan meanwhile makes history. The 3-0 thrashing of Crystal Palace became his 150th victory in the Premier League where the team scored at least three goals. This took 358 matches — a strike rate that no other manager in English football has come close to matching. What makes this stat remarkable isn’t just the volume of dominant wins, but the consistency across different squads and seasons. Guardiola’s City teams don’t just win, they overwhelm opponents with a regularity that reshapes expectations of what dominance looks like.
The numbers are impressive:
- Ferguson got to this milestone in 522 games with Man United.
- Wenger at Arsenal needed 524 matches.
City holds second place with 34 points. Haaland regularly hits the goal, Foden is on fire. The club is looking at Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace — the defender is 25 years old, contract ends in the summer.
So, some talk about Pep’s departure, others watch how he sets new records. Fans argue in comments, build theories. Guardiola so far gives no official statements about plans. Maybe the management worries in vain? Time will tell.
