Manchester City are set to appoint Enzo Maresca as the successor to legendary manager Pep Guardiola ahead of the 2026-27 season.
According to reports, Guardiola is expected to leave City after Sunday’s final Premier League match of the season against Aston Villa at the Etihad Stadium.
The club have reportedly been planning for Guardiola’s departure for more than six months, with talks between City and Maresca already at an advanced stage.
Maresca ready for biggest challenge of career
The 46-year-old Italian is expected to sign an agreement in the coming weeks after emerging as City’s preferred candidate.
Enzo Maresca previously worked under Guardiola during City’s treble-winning 2022-23 campaign and was also heavily involved in the club’s academy setup.
After leaving Manchester City in 2023, Maresca guided Leicester City back to the Premier League before joining Chelsea.
During his only full season at Chelsea, he won the Club World Cup and Conference League while securing Champions League qualification.
Guardiola praises his former assistant
Pep Guardiola has previously described Maresca as “one of the best managers in the world”.
The City boss praised the Italian’s achievements at Chelsea, saying he did not receive enough recognition for working with a young squad in a highly competitive league.
Maresca’s tactical style is also considered very similar to Guardiola’s philosophy, with both favouring possession-based football and patient build-up play.
Replacing Guardiola will bring huge pressure
Despite his success, Maresca would face enormous expectations if appointed permanently at Manchester City.
Guardiola transformed City into one of the greatest club sides in modern football, winning multiple Premier League titles, domestic cups and the Champions League during his decade in charge.
Former City assistant Mikel Arteta has already enjoyed major success at Arsenal after following a similar coaching path.
However, Maresca’s time at Chelsea reportedly ended after tensions developed with the club’s hierarchy over transfers and long-term planning.
City believe Maresca offers continuity
Manchester City’s leadership reportedly value Maresca’s understanding of the club’s structure, philosophy and playing style.
Club officials believe his appointment would provide continuity and stability following Guardiola’s departure, which is expected to mark the beginning of a new era at the Etihad Stadium.
While questions remain over whether Maresca can replicate Guardiola’s extraordinary success, City’s hierarchy are said to view him as the best long-term option to lead the club into the future.
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