Chelsea boss Maresca considered as potential successor to Man City’s Guardiola

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca is reportedly among the leading names being considered to succeed Pep Guardiola at Manchester City once the highly successful Spaniard eventually leaves the Etihad Stadium.

Guardiola signed a contract extension in November last year that would keep him at City until 2027, seemingly ending speculation that he might step down at the conclusion of the 2024–25 season. However, The Athletic reports that the 54-year-old could still depart at the end of the current campaign, with a final decision expected closer to season’s end.

In anticipation of that possibility, City are said to be compiling a shortlist of potential replacements, with sources indicating that Maresca—Guardiola’s former assistant—is viewed very favourably.

Maresca was part of Guardiola’s coaching staff between 2022 and 2023, having earlier managed Manchester City’s under-23 team. He later left to guide Leicester City back to the Premier League at the end of the 2023–24 season before taking charge of Chelsea the following summer.

Since arriving at Stamford Bridge, the Italian has enjoyed notable success, leading Chelsea’s young squad to triumphs in the UEFA Conference League and the Club World Cup.

Chelsea declined to comment on the reports. Maresca remains under contract until 2030, with the club holding an option to extend the deal by a further year.

Speculation around his future intensified after Maresca made ambiguous remarks following Chelsea’s 2–0 home win over Everton on Saturday. The 45-year-old described the period before the match as “the worst 48 hours” of his time at the club, despite the victory ending a five-game winless run since their emphatic win over Barcelona in late November.

He suggested that “people” had failed to show him and his players “support” ahead of the match, though he later declined to clarify who he was referring to. Despite the comments, Maresca insisted he was “absolutely” happy at Chelsea and sought to close the matter.

Chelsea have since built on that momentum with a 3–1 away victory over Cardiff City in the Carabao Cup, securing a place in the two-legged semi-finals, where they will face either Arsenal or Crystal Palace next year.