Enzo Maresca has emerged as the overwhelming favourite to succeed Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, according to reports. The former Chelsea head coach, sacked in January after 18 months in charge, is believed to be City's top target as they prepare for Guardiola's potential departure at the end of the season.
Positive Talks Underway
According to The Guardian, there have been 'positive talks' between Maresca and Manchester City regarding the managerial position. The Italian, 46, is seen as the ideal candidate to take over from his former mentor, with City impressed by his track record. However, a potential stumbling block remains: Maresca is thought to still have outstanding contractual ties to Chelsea after walking away from a deal that had three and a half years remaining, plus an option for an additional 12 months.
Maresca informed Chelsea prior to his departure that he had twice held talks with City about succeeding Guardiola, despite being contracted until 2029. His shock exit from Stamford Bridge stunned the football world.
Maresca's Chelsea Tenure
Maresca guided Chelsea back into the Champions League and won the Conference League and Club World Cup in his debut season after arriving from Leicester City in June 2024. Despite sitting fifth in the Premier League and being well-placed for back-to-back Champions League berths, Chelsea's board took the dramatic decision to sack him. The Blues were also still alive in the Carabao Cup and in the top eight of the Champions League at the time.
After caretaker boss Callum McFarlane took charge for two matches, Liam Rosenior was handed a long-term contract following an impressive spell at sister club Strasbourg. However, Rosenior's reign was cut short after a humiliating 3-0 defeat at Brighton, extending Chelsea's losing streak to five games and dropping them to seventh, seven points adrift of fifth-place Liverpool in the battle for Champions League qualification. Rosenior won 11 and drew two of his 23 matches in charge.
Guardiola's Future
Speculation is mounting that Guardiola could leave City at the end of the campaign, despite having a year remaining on his contract. If he departs this summer, Maresca is leading the race to take the reins at the Etihad Stadium. City are already laying the groundwork for Guardiola's exit, with Maresca as their primary target.
McFarlane is now widely expected to steer Chelsea through to the end of the season while the club searches for a permanent replacement.
