Enzo Maresca Set to Replace Pep Guardiola at Manchester City
The former Chelsea manager is reportedly in advanced talks to take over at Manchester City as Pep Guardiola prepares to leave the club after a decade of success.
- Guardiola is expected to depart after Manchester City’s final Premier League game of the season.
- Maresca, a former City coach, is the leading candidate to take over.
- Talks are advanced, with an official appointment expected ahead of the 2026–27 season.
Guardiola is anticipated to leave City after Sunday’s final Premier League match against Aston Villa at the Etihad Stadium, bringing an end to his highly successful spell in charge.
According to reports, negotiations with Maresca are at an advanced stage, and the Italian is understood to be eager to take on the role.
Maresca previously worked within Manchester City’s coaching structure, including serving as part of Guardiola’s staff during the club’s treble-winning 2022–23 campaign. He also contributed to the development of City’s academy setup before moving into senior management.
After leaving City in 2023, Maresca went on to manage Leicester City, guiding them to promotion to the Premier League, before later taking charge at Chelsea, where he won the Club World Cup and UEFA Conference League and secured Champions League qualification in a single season.
City officials have reportedly been preparing for Guardiola’s potential departure for several months and view Maresca as the leading candidate to continue the club’s successful era.
Guardiola has previously praised Maresca’s managerial abilities, describing him as one of the best in the world and commending his achievements in England despite managing a relatively young squad.
