​The Times: Premier League Boss Tells Club He's Certain Guardiola Will Leave This Year

January 31 – In his weekly report for *The Times*, chief correspondent Martyn Ziegler writes that despite Pep Guardiola's contract running until 2027, a growing number of coaches in the Premier League believe this will be his final season at Manchester City.

Guardiola's future is a hot topic among many coaches and executives. One manager at a top club reportedly told his club's hierarchy last week that he is convinced the 55-year-old coach – who arrived at City in 2016 – will leave at the end of this season.

This is a year earlier than Guardiola's contract expires. However, it was Enzo Maresca's revelation to Chelsea earlier this season that he had held talks with City three times regarding the succession to Guardiola, which further fueled speculation about the Catalan's potential departure.

Guardiola has previously stated that he would take a break from management after leaving City. Following reports in early January that Maresca might leave Stamford Bridge, Guardiola gave a sharp response when asked at a press conference whether he would still be managing City next season.

He said at the time: "My goodness. I have a contract. I have said it a thousand times. I know you are tired of me. I have been here ten years. Do you want me to leave? Yes, I'm sure of that."