Manchester City are actively assessing contingency plans for life after Pep Guardiola, with Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca emerging as a serious candidate should the Spaniard depart next summer. Softfootball reports that Maresca is high on City’s internal shortlist as uncertainty continues to surround Guardiola’s long-term future at the Etihad.
Although Guardiola remains under contract until June 2027, there is growing belief within football circles that the City boss could step away earlier. Guardiola has previously hinted at taking a break from football once his chapter in Manchester concludes, prompting the club to quietly prepare for a possible transition.
Manchester City’s leadership is understood to be monitoring developments closely as speculation around Guardiola intensifies. While no formal decision has been made, the club is keen to avoid being caught unprepared should the manager decide to leave at the end of the current season.
Guardiola’s continued influence at City has been evident this campaign, Pep Guardiola Left in Awe as Rayan Cherki Continues to Light Up Manchester City, but behind the scenes, long-term planning is already underway.
Enzo Maresca is no stranger to the Etihad setup. The Italian previously managed Manchester City’s Elite Development Squad during the 2020–21 season before returning as part of Guardiola’s first-team coaching staff in the historic treble-winning 2022–23 campaign.
His deep understanding of City’s playing philosophy, combined with his tactical education under Guardiola, makes him an appealing option for continuity should a managerial change be required.
Maresca is currently in charge at Chelsea, having joined the London club in the summer of 2024 on a long-term deal running until 2030, with an option for an additional year. Any attempt by Manchester City to appoint him would require significant compensation, a factor expected to weigh heavily in any future discussions.
Despite Chelsea’s public silence, speculation intensified following Maresca’s recent cryptic comments about experiencing his “worst 48 hours” at the club, remarks that raised eyebrows across the football community. Chelsea have declined to comment, while Maresca continues preparations, Enzo Maresca Explains Chelsea’s Rotated Lineup Ahead of Cardiff City Clash.
According to Fabrizio Romano via his official Facebook handle, Manchester City’s interest in Maresca is genuine and advanced at the internal level. Romano posted:
𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆: Enzo Maresca is seriously being considered by Manchester City to replace Pep Guardiola in case he will leave next summer, 🔵💣
The update further underlines how highly City rate the Chelsea boss as they assess multiple scenarios ahead of a potentially defining summer.
While Maresca is among the leading candidates, he is not the only option under consideration. Club legend Vincent Kompany is also believed to be on Manchester City’s radar, as the hierarchy weighs experience, philosophy, and long-term vision.
For now, Guardiola remains fully focused on the present, but City’s quiet succession planning suggests the club is preparing carefully for a future that may arrive sooner than expected.
