Pep Guardiola has firmly rejected speculation linking him with an early departure from Manchester City, declaring that leaving the club is simply not under consideration at present.
Speaking to journalists on Friday, the Spanish manager was unequivocal about his position.
"The club has to be prepared, but that subject it is not on the table right now," Guardiola stated.
The 54-year-old, who extended his contract last year until June 2027, dismissed suggestions of ongoing talks about his future.
Pep Guardiola has a contract with City until 2027
|PA
"The problem is that there are no discussions. End of the subject, there are no discussions," he insisted.
With eighteen months remaining on his deal, Guardiola expressed contentment with his situation at the Etihad Stadium.
Reports this week indicated that City's leadership has begun identifying potential successors should Guardiola opt to step away at the campaign's conclusion.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca, who served as Guardiola's assistant during the treble-winning season, is understood to be among those under consideration.
Sporting director Hugo Viana, who joined the club earlier this year, is reportedly compiling a shortlist of candidates.
Enzo Maresca has been heavily linked as City's next manager
| PAThe uncertainty surrounding Guardiola's tenure has brought the club's succession planning into sharper focus, with at least two potential replacements believed to have been identified.
Guardiola grew visibly irritated when pressed repeatedly on the matter during his press conference.
"I answered that question two questions before!" he responded to one journalist, before adding curtly: "Better Christmas to you."
Despite the swirling speculation, Guardiola conveyed genuine enthusiasm about his squad's progress.
"I'm so delighted, happy. I am excited with the development of the team and being there," he remarked.
City have rediscovered their winning form following a difficult previous campaign, stringing together six consecutive victories across all competitions.
The champions currently trail Arsenal by a mere two points in the Premier League standings.
A home triumph against struggling West Ham on Saturday would see Guardiola's men climb to the summit, albeit temporarily.
Their recent resurgence includes a memorable victory over Real Madrid in the Spanish capital and progression to the League Cup semi-finals after dispatching Brentford on Wednesday.
Guardiola confirmed that Ballon d'Or winner Rodri, along with John Stones and Jeremy Doku, will be unavailable for Saturday's encounter with the Hammers.
However, there is optimism that Rodri could feature in next weekend's fixture at Nottingham Forest.
The manager acknowledged that his youthful squad still has considerable ground to cover before matching his previous title-winning sides.
Pep Guardiola's City are in the chase for the Premier League title
|REUTERS
"In the way we play still we are not at the level required to compete to win the titles, but the margin is there to improve it. That is nice," Guardiola explained.
He emphasised that while results have improved, the team's mentality and commitment remain their greatest assets as they pursue a seventh league crown under his stewardship.