Pep Guardiola has made it crystal clear: he's not going anywhere just yet. The Manchester City manager, who has been at the heart of one of the most dominant eras in Premier League history, insists he still has "one more year" on his contract, putting an end to swirling rumors about his departure.
As City prepares for their 24th trip to Wembley for a domestic cup semi-final or final, all eyes are on Guardiola. This Saturday, his squad faces Chelsea in the FA Cup final, with kick-off at 15:00 BST. A win would secure a domestic double, adding to the Carabao Cup they claimed in March against Arsenal. But the bigger story? Whether this could be Guardiola's final bow at the iconic stadium.
When asked directly if Saturday might be his last visit to Wembley as City boss, Guardiola didn't mince words. "No way," he said with a grin, before playfully adding that he has "one more year" on his contract. He then exited the room—right on schedule, as it was the last question of the press conference. Classic Guardiola: a mix of confidence, charm, and a touch of mystery.
Despite his lighthearted response, uncertainty lingers. There's been no official confirmation from Guardiola or the club about his long-term plans. Rumors have intensified, with former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca reportedly among the top candidates to step in if Guardiola leaves. City's preference, however, is for their legendary manager to stay as long as possible. Still, sources close to the club suggest there's genuine doubt about whether he'll see out the final year of his deal.
And why wouldn't there be? Guardiola's trophy cabinet is overflowing. In his decade at the helm, he's lifted 19 trophies, including six Premier League titles, a Champions League crown, and two FA Cups. His side is still in the hunt for a seventh league title, though they trail Arsenal by two points with just two games remaining.
When asked if his reign defines greatness, Guardiola flexed his bicep and quipped, "Yeah, of course. 19 titles in 10 years is not bad. They know they don't need to wait until I'm leaving—they know I've been fun. So, 19 titles, fighting for 20 in 10 years—it's not bad, honestly."
For now, Guardiola is focused on the FA Cup final and the Premier League run-in. Whether this is his final season or just another chapter in an already legendary story, one thing is certain: the football world will be watching every move.