The club are preparing for the possibility that Guardiola could step down at the end of the season and Maresca is a top candidate
Manchester City are considering Enzo Maresca as a leading candidate to succeed Pep Guardiola should their highly successful manager leave in the summer.
Maresca has been out of work since leaving Chelsea in January, and discussions over a potential return to City are understood to have been positive. Guardiola still has a year remaining on his contract, but the club are preparing for the possibility that he could step down at the end of the season.
City are said to be planning for a managerial transition, with director of football Hugo Viana overseeing the process. Maresca is currently viewed as the preferred option if a replacement is required.
Guardiola has previously spoken highly of Maresca, calling him “one of the best managers in the world” and praising his work. The two worked closely together during Maresca’s time as City assistant and Maresca was at the club for their treble win in 2023.
City remain in contention for the Premier League title and could yet complete another domestic treble. Guardiola has won 18 trophies during his time at the club, and there have been strong rumours that he will step away after nearly a decade in charge.
Maresca, who previously coached City’s under-23 side, led Leicester City to the Championship title in 2024 before moving to Chelsea. In his first season at Stamford Bridge, he secured qualification for the Champions League and won both the Conference League and Club World Cup, though his second campaign ended abruptly.
