- Man City are preparing for Guardiola uncertainty
- One candidate is reportedly being kept away from rivals
- A long-term succession plan may already be forming
Manchester City may still be waiting on Pep Guardiola’s final decision, but work behind the scenes appears to be moving already.
Pep Guardiola’s future at the Etihad remains uncertain. Despite having signed an extension in 2025, the Catalan gaffer is still unsure of waiting it out till 2027.
Regardless, Man City are making the necessary preparations in case Guardiola decides to call curtains to his Premier League career.
Likewise, according to The i Paper, the Sky Blues have already identified a successor. The man in question is already seen as ‘off-limits’ by rivals due to his connection to City.
Enzo Maresca seen as Man City’s man if Guardiola leaves
Maresca was already one of the front-runners to take the job at the Etihad. However, now reports claim that an executive in the game sees the Italian as ‘Manchester City’s man’.
Likewise, the former Chelsea manager has become a difficult candidate for other clubs due to his connection to Man City.
Manchester United, Chelsea and Real Madrid are expected to make managerial changes this summer, and they probably see Maresca as a viable option.
However, City’s position makes it difficult for other clubs to pursue the FIFA Club World Cup winner. Chelsea especially might be off the table for Maresca due to his history with the Blues.
Vincent Kompany viewed as long-term Man City candidate
A source close to Man City also claimed that Vincent Kompany can eventually take the reins for the long-term at the Etihad.
The City legend is set to see out his time at Bayern Munich at least till he completes the ongoing project in Bavaria.
Maresca will act as a transitional manager for the Citizens. Nevertheless, he remains one of the top candidates for the role, having been a Guardiola apprentice.
This highly suggests that City is planning a multi-stage handover in case Guardiola leaves this summer. However, whether the Catalan manager actually takes that step is yet to be seen.
Likewise, if he leaves at the end of his contract, Man City will have more time to plan out the departure, and Kompany might also consider a move next year.
Why Maresca fits Man City’s Guardiola succession plan
Enzo Maresca has been with Man City twice throughout his managerial career. He first started as the head coach of the Elite Development Squad.
After winning the Premier League 2 title with the U21s, he eventually joined Parma in Serie B. However, Maresca was dismissed at the end of the season as he failed to gain a promotion spot.
Regardless, he returned to City following his stint in Italy. He then served as an assistant manager to Guardiola for a season.
His history with the club doesn’t make the appointment risk-free. However, Maresca’s experience with Chelsea proves his ability to manage a top side.
The Italian won the UEFA Conference League and the FIFA Club World Cup with the Blues. He was only dismissed because the BlueCo management couldn’t wait out a string of bad results.
