Pep Guardiola has given his reaction to Enzo Maresca's shock departure at Chelsea. The Italian manager was dismissed by the Blues on Thursday after a tense period which saw him call out the club's hierarchy, while he had also overseen a run of three games without a victory. Maresca has also been reportedly lined up as a potential replacement for Guardiola at Manchester City, where he previously worked with Guardiola as an assistant manager.

Gianluigi Donnarumma lost his cool at the end of Manchester City’s frustrating goalless draw at Sunderland, with the towering Italian goalkeeper becoming caught up in an ugly post-game spat. City manager Pep Guardiola was among those to step in as peacemaker after seeing his first-choice shot-stopper clash with combative Black Cats star Luke O’Nien.

Pep Guardiola was in a positive mood after Manchester City drew 0-0 at Sunderland even though it meant his side fell four points behind Arsenal in the Premier League title race. City failed to score for the first time in 10 league matches and lost Nico Gonzalez and Savinho to injury. Guardiola, however, could be seen smiling during his post-match interview.

Enzo Maresca, who has been relieved of his duties at Stamford Bridge, revealed to Chelsea on three occasions prior to his New Year’s Day dismissal that he has held talks with officials at Manchester City regarding a potential opportunity to succeed Pep Guardiola at the Etihad Stadium. The Italian tactician is now out of work and waiting on enticing offers.

Manchester City are reportedly in talks over the £30 million ($40m) loan-to-buy sale of Oscar Bobb as Pep Guardiola gears up to welcome Antoine Semenyo to the Etihad. City and Bournemouth have held constructive negotiations over the structure of Semenyo’s £65m transfer, with all sides confident that the framework of the deal is now in place. The Ghana international has already given verbal approval to the switch, with formal steps set to begin once the January window opens on New Year’s Day.