Enzo Maresca has emerged as one of the leading names being linked with Manchester City should Pep Guardiola decide to leave the club at the end of the season.
The Italian coach, who is currently available after his departure from Chelsea, is reportedly admired by the City hierarchy and is being discussed in England as a possible successor to Guardiola. Reports suggest that initial conversations over a potential move have been positive, although no final decision has been made.
Guardiola, now 55, still has one year remaining on his contract with Manchester City. However, after another demanding cycle at the Etihad Stadium, the club are understood to be preparing for every eventuality in case the Catalan coach decides that the time has come for a new chapter.
In Spain and Italy, there has also been speculation that the Italian Football Federation would like Guardiola to become the next head coach of the national team. Such a move, however, is considered highly unlikely at this stage. Guardiola’s salary expectations would represent a major obstacle. At the same time, sources close to Manchester City have also suggested that, should he leave the club, he would be more inclined to take a sabbatical rather than immediately accept another high-pressure role.
Maresca’s name carries obvious logic for City. He previously worked under Guardiola as part of the coaching staff during the club’s historic treble-winning season in 2023, when Manchester City won the Champions League for the first time. Guardiola’s footballing principles strongly influence his tactical ideas, and the pair are known to share a close professional relationship.
Guardiola himself has spoken highly of Maresca in the past, describing him as one of the best coaches in the game and praising the work he carried out at Chelsea.
One possible complication could be Maresca’s contractual situation following his exit from the London club, although that has not stopped his name from being placed near the top of City’s contingency list.
For now, Guardiola remains Manchester City manager, and the most straightforward outcome would still be for him to complete his contract. But the growing sense around the Premier League is that a major managerial reshuffle could take place this summer, and City appear determined not to be caught unprepared should their most successful manager decide to walk away.
