Enzo Maresca Poised to Take Over at Manchester City

Maresca's Ascendancy at Manchester City

Enzo Maresca is on track to become the next manager of Manchester City, with reports indicating that the club is set to replace Pep Guardiola ahead of the upcoming season. Guardiola, who has been a pivotal figure in the club's recent successes, is expected to leave following the final match against Aston Villa this Sunday at the Etihad Stadium.

The Transition from Guardiola to Maresca

According to sources reported by BBC Sport, Maresca has emerged as the leading candidate to succeed Guardiola for the 2026-27 season. City has apparently been anticipating Guardiola's departure for several months, and discussions with Maresca have progressed rapidly.

The 46-year-old Italian has expressed a strong interest in the role and is expected to be officially appointed soon.

Maresca's Track Record

Prior to this potential appointment, Maresca had an impressive tenure at Chelsea, where he won the Club World Cup and the UEFA Europa Conference League, while also securing Champions League qualification during his only full season.

Before joining Chelsea, Maresca served as an assistant manager under Guardiola during Manchester City’s treble-winning campaign in the 2022-23 season, where he played a significant role in the development of the club’s youth talent. His time at City also included pivotal contributions to the club's academy.

After departing from City in 2023, Maresca took the reins at Leicester City, managing to achieve a promotion to the Premier League in his first season, signaling his capabilities as a manager.

Guardiola's Praise for Maresca

Guardiola has publicly lauded Maresca’s managerial skills, stating, "One of the best managers in the world, Enzo Maresca, I know him quite well, but the job he has done at Chelsea does not get enough credit. Winning the Club World Cup, Conference League, qualification for the Champions League in a league that is so tough with a young team. It is exceptional." This endorsement illustrates the high regard in which Maresca is held, making him a fitting successor to a manager of Guardiola's caliber.

The imminent transition at Manchester City signifies a new chapter for the club as it prepares for the 2026-27 season under what appears to be a promising leadership.