Could Enzo Maresca Replace Pep Guardiola at Manchester City?

Speculation around Pep Guardiola’s long-term future at Manchester City has sparked fresh debate, with Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca emerging as a potential name in hypothetical succession talks.

According to Sky Sports News reporter Kaveh Solhekol, recent comments from Maresca and developments behind the scenes have added fuel to discussions, even though there is currently no immediate vacancy at the Etihad Stadium.

Why Maresca’s Name Is Being Mentioned

Solhekol explained that Maresca recently suggested he felt a lack of support at Chelsea, which has raised questions among observers about his long-term position in west London. While this does not indicate an imminent departure, it has contributed to wider speculation.

Another key factor is Maresca’s decision to change representation. The Italian is now represented by Jorge Mendes, one of football’s most influential agents, who is known to have strong relationships across Europe’s elite clubs.

Strong Manchester City Connections

Maresca is no stranger to Manchester City. He previously worked under Pep Guardiola as part of the club’s coaching staff and also managed City’s development squad, gaining valuable experience within the club’s footballing structure.

These existing links, combined with his tactical philosophy and recent work at Chelsea, make him a logical candidate in any long-term discussion about life after Guardiola.

Why a Change Is Unlikely Right Now

Despite the speculation, Solhekol was clear that any talk of a Guardiola replacement remains purely hypothetical. Pep Guardiola is under contract at Manchester City until the summer of 2027, and there are no indications that he is preparing to leave at the end of the current season.

Similarly, Maresca is contracted to Chelsea until 2029, further reducing the likelihood of any short-term movement between the two clubs.

Conclusion

While Enzo Maresca could realistically be considered as a future candidate should Pep Guardiola eventually leave Manchester City, the possibility remains distant for now. With Guardiola still firmly in charge at the Etihad and Maresca committed to Chelsea, any link between the two roles exists firmly in the realm of long-term speculation rather than an immediate managerial change.