Enzo Maresca Emerges as Front-Runner to Succeed Guardiola at Manchester City

Manchester City are quietly laying the groundwork for life after Pep Guardiola, with Enzo Maresca emerging as the leading internal candidate to take the helm should the Catalan decide to depart at the end of the season, sources close to the club have confirmed.

Guardiola, 55, still has one year remaining on his current contract, but City’s hierarchy are acutely aware that the legendary manager may choose this summer to step away after nearly a decade of unprecedented success. In preparation, the club has held positive discussions with Maresca, who has been out of work since leaving Chelsea in January, about returning to the Etihad in the top job.

Guardiola himself has previously described Maresca as “one of the best in the world” during their time working together, a testament to the respect he holds for his former assistant. Maresca spent two seasons as Guardiola’s assistant at City before taking the head coach role at Parma, then leading Leicester City to promotion, and finally enduring a brief, turbulent spell at Chelsea.

City’s preference for a smooth, stylistic succession mirrors the path taken by other elite clubs. Maresca’s football philosophy is deeply rooted in the Guardiola school — possession-based, high-pressing, and tactically flexible — making him an ideal fit to maintain continuity. The club’s internal belief is that Maresca’s experience managing in the Premier League, despite the challenges at Chelsea, has prepared him for the pressure of one of football’s most demanding roles.

While no final decision has been made, and Guardiola has given no public indication of his plans, City are determined to avoid a repeat of the uncertainty that followed Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure at Manchester United. The club is already mapping out a transition strategy, with Maresca as the primary target. Other names, including former captain Vincent Kompany, have been discussed, but Maresca’s intimate knowledge of City’s structures and his prior relationship with the squad give him a distinct advantage.

Guardiola’s future remains the biggest variable. He has repeatedly stated that he will not overstay his welcome, and the physical and mental toll of elite management has led many close to him to believe this summer could be the natural exit point. City’s proactive approach ensures they will not be caught off guard.

For now, all eyes remain on Guardiola’s title chase and Champions League ambitions. But behind the scenes, the Maresca succession plan is already taking shape.

Key Takeaways

• Leading candidate: Enzo Maresca is the front-runner to replace Pep Guardiola if he leaves Manchester City this summer.
• Positive talks: City have held constructive discussions with Maresca, who has been out of work since leaving Chelsea in January.
• Guardiola’s praise: Guardiola has called Maresca “one of the best in the world,” highlighting their strong working relationship.
• Contingency planning: City are preparing for Guardiola’s potential departure at the end of the season, despite his contract running until 2026.
• Stylistic fit: Maresca’s possession-based philosophy aligns with City’s playing identity, ensuring a smooth transition.

Source: Adapted from original reporting at 90min.

For more on Guardiola’s legacy at City, read our analysis: Manchester City club profile and Premier League coverage.