Enzo Maresca: Manchester City set to replace Pep Guardiola with ex-Chelsea boss
Enzo Maresca will replace Pep Guardiola Manchester City coach before next season.
As BBC Sport reported on Monday, iconic City boss Guardiola is expected to leave the club after Sunday’s final match of the season against Aston Villa at the Etihad Stadium.
Former Chelsea head coach Maresca has been identified as the leading candidate to replace the legendary Spaniard in the 2026-27 season.
Talks with Maresca are at an advanced stage as City have been preparing for Guardiola’s summer departure for more than six months.
The 46-year-old wants the job and is expected to be confirmed as Guardiola’s successor in due course.
The Italian coach, who won the Club World Cup and the Conference League while qualifying for the Champions League in his single season at Stamford Bridge, had previously worked at City.
He worked directly under Guardiola during City’s treble-winning season in 2022-23 and played a key role in the club’s academy before joining the first team.
The former West Brom and Juventus midfielder leaves City in 2023 to manage Leicester, whom he guided to promotion to the Premier League in his only season.
Guardiola previously said: “I know Enzo Maresca very well, one of the best managers in the world, but the work he does at Chelsea does not get enough credit.
“To win the Club World Cup, to win the Conference League, to qualify for the Champions League, in a league that is very difficult for a young team. It’s extraordinary.”
