- Maresca is the top candidate to replace Pep Guardiola
- Man City are big admirers of the Italian
- Guardiola approves of the former Chelsea boss
Former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca is the leading candidate to replace Pep Guardiola as Manchester City manager if the Catalan coach departs at the end of the season.
With Guardiola considering his future, there has been significant speculation over who could replace him if he does end his 10-year stay at the Etihad Stadium.
Maresca left Chelsea in January, and is believed to have spoken to City about the possibility of replacing Guardiola in the summer.
While there is one year remaining on Guardiola’s contract, the club have been putting plans in place for his succession, with Maresca now reportedly top of the list.
Enzo Maresca tipped for Manchester City job
According to The Guardian, Maresca is the leading candidate to replace former mentor Guardiola at the Etihad.
Guardiola previously described the Italian as “one of the best managers in the world”, with the pair maintaining a close relationship thanks to their time working together at City.
Maresca worked under Pep in 2023, as the Sky Blues won the Champions League and claimed an historic treble.
The two coaches share a similar footballing philosophy, and this is one of the reasons Maresca is considered such an ideal replacement for Guardiola.
Chelsea contract could complicate Maresca appointment
Appointing Maresca may not be as simple as hoped, though. Although no longer managing Chelsea, details around the former Blues boss’ contract situation could complicate matters.
He is reported to have left Stamford Bridge with three-and-a-half years left on his deal, with some suggestions that he held talks with City while still under contract.
🚨💣 BREAKING: Chelsea and Enzo Maresca agree to part company with immediate effect. It’s OVER.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 1, 2026
Official statement to follow but all done after tension growing last 24/48h.
Chelsea will now start working on new manager appointment. 🔵🔜 pic.twitter.com/dgj3bjxlNe
If those reports are true, Chelsea may have something to say about any move to bring Maresca to the Etihad this summer.
Maresca walked out on his role at Chelsea in January, shortly before his side were due to face City in the Premier League.
Following Guardiola may be an impossible task
Regardless of when he leaves or who replaces him, following in Guardiola’s footsteps may be impossible for the next manager.
With six Premier League titles and a seventh within reach, the Catalan coach has dominated English football over the last decade.
🚨🏆 Pep Guardiola has now won 40 trophies in his coaching career. 4️⃣0️⃣✨
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 22, 2026
🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆 Premier League x6
🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆 Carabao Cup x5
🏆🏆🏆🏆 Club World Cup x4
🏆🏆🏆🏆 UEFA Super Cup x4
🏆🏆🏆 Champions League x3
🏆🏆🏆 La Liga x3
🏆🏆🏆 Bundesliga x3
🏆🏆🏆 Spanish Super Cup x3… pic.twitter.com/Nn0QpDLFWr
Add to that a further eight domestic cups, UEFA Champions League, and Club World Cup, and the list of Guardiola’s achievements becomes yet more intimidating to follow.
As David Moyes found out in 20013 when he replaced Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United, coming into a club that is used to winning everything, after the departure of a legendary and idolised manager, is no easy task.
