Enzo Maresca is now club-less – but Pep Guardiola remains calm. The Catalan refers to his contract with City.
Manchester City’s star coach Pep Guardiola reacted calmly to Enzo Maresca’s departure from Chelsea FC. Guardiola once again referred to his contract until 2027, after there had recently been speculation about a possible replacement by Maresca at the Citizens. “I have a contract. I’ve said a thousand million times: I’m happy. I want to fight with my team,” emphasizes the Catalan.
Maresca and club world champions FC Chelsea had parted ways on New Year’s Day. According to media reports, alleged talks between the Italian and Manchester were among the reasons for the separation. Previously, there had been speculation that Maresca could succeed Guardiola in the summer.
“The only thing I can say is that in my opinion, Chelsea is losing an incredible, incredible coach and an incredible person,” said Guardiola: “But that is a decision by Chelsea’s club management, so I have nothing to say about it.”
Looking to the future, the 54-year-old added that he “still has a contract for another year”: “I like being here, you’ll see.” The club management supports him, emphasized Guardiola, who has been City coach since 2016: “That was evident last season when we didn’t win a single game for two or three months.”
Manchester, which is in second place, four points behind Arsenal FC, will meet Chelsea in the Premier League on Sunday (6:30 PM / Sky). At the Blues, U21 coach Calum McFarlane has temporarily taken over the helmet.