Manchester City is reportedly preparing for the potential departure of manager Pep Guardiola, with Enzo Maresca emerging as a leading candidate to succeed him. The Premier League champions have seen a resurgence in form this season, securing six consecutive victories across domestic and European competitions. This strong run has rekindled their status as European football powerhouses, mirroring their successful 2023-24 campaign.

Despite Guardiola recently extending his contract until June 2027, speculation about his future at the club persists. English media, including The Athletic, suggests a growing expectation within and outside Manchester City that this current season could be the Catalan manager’s last. This sentiment fuels proactive planning by the club’s sporting directorate to avoid being caught off guard.

Enzo Maresca, currently managing Chelsea, is identified as a key figure in Manchester City’s succession plan. Maresca is described as a loyal and well-trained disciple of Guardiola’s coaching philosophy, possessing an intimate understanding of the club’s structure and ethos. His prior association with the club, having managed the U21 team and served on Guardiola’s coaching staff, further strengthens his candidacy.

Maresca’s current tenure at Chelsea has been characterized by inconsistent results and internal friction, despite a contract running until 2029 with an extension option. Recent public remarks by Maresca, detailing “the worst 48 hours” due to perceived lack of support, have amplified concerns about his stability at Stamford Bridge.

These developments at Chelsea, coupled with the lingering questions surrounding Guardiola’s long-term commitment, have intensified discussions about Maresca’s potential return to the Etihad Stadium. The club’s leadership appears keen to secure a smooth transition, ensuring their continued success in the demanding football landscape.

The potential appointment of Maresca signifies a strategic approach by Manchester City to maintain its high standards. His familiarity with the club’s system and his own developmental coaching style could offer a seamless continuation of the team’s established identity and on-field performance.

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Keywords: Pep Guardiola, Manchester City, Enzo Maresca, Chelsea, football manager, Premier League, Champions League, Guardiola successor