Guardiola feels “lucky” at Manchester City

Pep Guardiola has said Chelsea’s decision to part ways with an “incredible” manager like Enzo Maresca makes him feel “lucky” to be working at Manchester City as his former assistant faces an uncertain future after leaving Stamford Bridge.

Maresca, who previously served as Guardiola’s assistant at City in the 2022-23 season, left Chelsea in the New Year after a poor run of form, prompting his former boss to consider the opposite stable at the Etihad Stadium.

“I can only say, from my point of view, Chelsea are losing an incredible, incredible manager,” Guardiola told reporters ahead of Sunday’s game with the London club.

“Unbelievable person. But it’s a hierarchy decision from Chelsea. Nothing to say.” Asked if he was surprised by the development, Guardiola was philosophical about the unpredictable nature of football.

“In football? Nothing surprising,” he said. “It just confirms how lucky I am. I was and I am, at the club where I am. My team is excellent.”

“I have one more year”

Amid Maresca’s departure, reports had emerged that the Italian had held talks with City this season to take Guardiola’s place in the future, prompting questions over the Spaniard’s longevity at the club.

“Are you going to fire me?” Guardiola responded with a smile when asked about his tenure. “My salary is so high. I have one more year.”

When pressed further about his future, Guardiola became livelier: “Oh my God! I have a contract. I’ve said it a thousand million times. I know you’re tired of me, 10 years here. I’m pretty sure of that! I’ll leave one day, I promise you.

“I have a contract, I’m happy, I want to fight with my team, the hierarchy respects me – that was shown last season when we didn’t win a game in three months, they support me… I like being here.”

City are wary of Rodry

Although City lost ground in the title race with Thursday’s 0-0 draw away at Sunderland to fall four points behind Arsenal, Guardiola saw a silver lining in the return of midfielder Rodri who came on as a half-time substitute.

The former Ballon d’Or winner has struggled with knee and hamstring injuries this season, with Guardiola saying they will be careful about managing his minutes amid a hectic schedule.

“Always with Rodri on the pitch we are better. Nico (Gonzalez) was excellent. But Rodri is Rodri, everyone knows that. But we have to be careful,” Guardiola said.

“We’ll see how the world recovers now. In this season, having two away games is so demanding.

“We’ll see, not long. Rodri is back, Jeremy (Doku)… both are coming from long-term injuries, so we have to be careful, talk to the doctors, the physios.”