Enzo Maresca has emerged as the leading candidate to succeed Pep Guardiola as manager of Manchester City should the Spaniard decide to leave at the end of the current season. Reports indicate that positive discussions have taken place between the club and the former Chelsea head coach regarding a potential return to the Etihad Stadium, where he previously served as an assistant under Guardiola.
The Italian tactician has been without a club since departing Chelsea in January 2026 following a breakdown in relations with the London club’s hierarchy. Despite his recent absence from the dugout, Maresca remains highly regarded within football circles, with Guardiola himself having previously described him as “one of the best in the world” in recognition of his coaching abilities and tactical acumen.
Guardiola, who is 55 years old, has one year remaining on his current Manchester City contract. However, the club acknowledges the growing possibility that he may choose to depart when that deal concludes, prompting preparations for a potential transition. City’s hierarchy understands the need to be ready for such a scenario, given the magnitude of replacing a manager of Guardiola’s stature and success.
The connection between Maresca and Guardiola dates back to their time together at Manchester City, where the Italian worked as part of the Spaniard’s backroom staff during the peak years of the club’s domestic dominance. This prior working relationship, combined with Maresca’s subsequent experience as a head coach in Serie A and the Premier League, has positioned him as a familiar and trusted figure in the eyes of City’s decision-makers.
While no official approach has been confirmed, sources close to the club suggest that Maresca’s name has been consistently mentioned in internal discussions about succession planning. His availability, coupled with his proven track record and philosophical alignment with Guardiola’s methods, makes him a compelling option should the need arise to identify a successor.
Manchester City’s preference for promoting from within or selecting candidates with existing ties to the club’s infrastructure has been evident in previous appointments. This tendency reinforces the logic behind considering Maresca, who already understands the club’s culture, training methodologies, and performance expectations from his earlier stint on the coaching staff.
The situation remains fluid, with Guardiola having publicly stated his intention to observe out his current contract. In a recent interview, he dismissed speculation about an imminent departure, emphasizing his commitment to fulfilling his obligations to the club. Nevertheless, the background planning continues, as elite clubs routinely prepare for various contingencies regarding key personnel.
For Maresca, a return to Manchester City would represent a significant career advancement and a return to a familiar environment where he contributed to some of the club’s most successful periods. His time away from management since leaving Chelsea has allowed him to reflect and recharge, potentially preparing him for the unique challenges of leading a team of City’s calibre and ambition.
As the season progresses and the future of Guardiola’s tenure becomes clearer, the focus on potential successors will intensify. Whether Maresca ultimately receives an official offer will depend on a range of factors, including Guardiola’s final decision, the club’s assessment of managerial needs, and the broader landscape of available candidates.
Manchester City’s approach to managerial transitions has historically been methodical and discreet, with decisions typically made well in advance of public announcements. Should a change be contemplated, the club is likely to conduct thorough evaluations before initiating any formal conversations, ensuring alignment with long-term strategic goals.
The coming months will be crucial in determining the direction of both Guardiola’s career and Manchester City’s managerial trajectory. Until then, the situation remains one of informed speculation, grounded in the club’s need to plan responsibly for all possible outcomes while respecting the current manager’s ongoing commitment to the team.