The managerial carousel has just shifted into overdrive. According to a bombshell report from David Ornstein of The Athletic, Manchester City have identified Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca as a primary candidate to succeed Pep Guardiola, should the legendary Spaniard depart the Etihad next summer.While Guardiola is technically under contract until June 2027, there is a "growing anticipation" within the football world that the 2025/26 campaign—his tenth in Manchester—will be his last.
The "Pep Protege" Factor
It’s no secret why City’s hierarchy, led by incoming Sporting Director Hugo Viana, has Maresca at the top of their list. The Italian doesn’t just understand "City-ball"—he helped build it.
The Academy Roots: Maresca led Manchester City’s Elite Development Squad (U21s) to their first-ever Premier League 2 title in 2021.
The Treble Architect: He returned to the club as Guardiola’s assistant for the historic 2022/23 season, standing side-by-side with Pep during the Champions League triumph in Istanbul.
Tactical Symmetry: Maresca’s "chess-match" style of play at Leicester and Chelsea is almost an exact mirror of Guardiola’s philosophy, making him the ultimate "continuity candidate."
Trouble in West London?
The timing of this link is particularly spicy. Despite a highly successful stint at Stamford Bridge—where he has already secured the UEFA Conference League and the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup—Maresca’s relationship with the Chelsea board appears strained.
Following a 2-0 win over Everton last Saturday, Maresca shocked fans by admitting he had just endured his "worst 48 hours" at the club, citing a lack of support from "many people" within the hierarchy.
"I can speak Italian, Spanish, French, English... I think it was clear what I said," Maresca told reporters this week. "It’s done. It’s finished. Now we move forward."
However, with Maresca recently hiring super-agent Jorge Mendes to represent him, many insiders believe the groundwork for a sensational exit is already being laid.
The Road to Summer 2026
Taking over for Pep Guardiola is often described as the "impossible job," but City’s strategy has always been about evolution rather than revolution. While Vincent Kompany (currently flying high at Bayern Munich) and Cesc Fàbregas remain on the shortlist, Maresca’s intimate knowledge of the City infrastructure gives him a distinct "head start."
The hurdles:
Compensation: Maresca is under contract at Chelsea until 2029. Any move would require a massive payout from City.
The "Pep" Verdict: Guardiola is expected to have a significant say in who takes his throne, and his admiration for Maresca is well-documented.
The Verdict
If Pep Guardiola does decide that ten years is enough, the transition to Enzo Maresca would be the most seamless "changing of the guard" in modern football history. For Chelsea, however, losing their second manager in two years to a direct rival would be a PR and tactical nightmare.
Should Chelsea do everything to keep Maresca, or is the pull of the Etihad simply too strong to resist? Let me know if you want a deep dive into the "Jorge Mendes factor" in this deal!