Key Takeaways:
- Enzo Maresca has emerged as a potential candidate to succeed Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, according to reports from the Athletic
- Maresca, Chelsea’s current head coach, previously worked on Manchester City’s development staff and served as Guardiola’s assistant in 2022
- The Italian led Chelsea to a fourth-place finish, the Uefa Conference League title, and the Fifa Club World Cup in his debut season with the club
Maresca on Manchester City’s Managerial Radar
Enzo Maresca has reportedly entered Manchester City’s list of options to take over the managerial reins should Pep Guardiola depart at the conclusion of his current tenure. The club is said to be preparing contingency plans amid ongoing uncertainty regarding Guardiola’s long-term future at the Etihad Stadium.
Guardiola’s contract is set to run until the summer of 2027, and he has previously suggested he may take a sabbatical following his time at City. While no definitive decision has been made, the club is exploring alternative options for the top job, with Maresca among those being considered.
🚨🇮🇹 𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆 | Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca is high among the candidates Manchester City are considering in case Pep Guardiola exits the club next summer, reports @David_Ornstein. 🔵⚡️
Man City are advancing contingency work for possible manager change. pic.twitter.com/Qnc0gHFFmu
— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) December 18, 2025
Maresca’s Career Path and Connection to City
Maresca has previous links with Manchester City, having joined their development staff in 2020 after a period at West Ham. He subsequently left to manage Serie B side Parma, before returning to City for a stint as Guardiola’s assistant manager in 2022. In the summer of 2024, he took over as Chelsea’s manager following a successful campaign guiding Leicester City to the summit of the Championship.
Strong Start and Recent Remarks at Chelsea
Maresca’s debut campaign at Chelsea saw the team secure a fourth-place league finish, as well as silverware in both the Uefa Conference League and Fifa Club World Cup. This term, Chelsea maintain their position in fourth after 16 matches, underlining the Italian’s positive impact in west London.
The 44-year-old is currently under contract with Chelsea until 2029, with the club holding an option to extend his stay by an additional year. Despite these commitments, Maresca recently cast doubt over his satisfaction with aspects of his role. Following Chelsea’s 2-0 victory over Everton, he stated: “Since I joined the club, the last 48 hours have been the worst 48 hours since I joined the club because many people didn’t support us.”
