Enzo Maresca is poised to become the next Manchester City manager, with Pep Guardiola expected to step down after the club’s final match of the season against Aston Villa on Sunday.
themomentng reported on Monday that Guardiola will bring his trophy-laden spell at the Etihad Stadium to a close this summer.
City have been planning for the Spaniard’s departure for more than six months, and talks with Maresca are already at an advanced stage. The 46-year-old Italian is understood to want the role and is widely expected to be confirmed as Guardiola’s successor ahead of the 2026-27 campaign, according to the BBC.
Maresca’s rise has been swift. In his only full season as Chelsea head coach, he delivered the Club World Cup and the Conference League while also securing Champions League qualification. The achievements strengthened his reputation as one of Europe’s most promising coaches.
His ties with City run deep. Maresca previously worked under Guardiola during the club’s historic treble-winning campaign in 2022-23, having earlier played a key role in the academy before stepping into the senior set-up.
He left the Etihad in 2023 to take charge of Leicester City and guided them straight back to the Premier League at the first attempt, further boosting his managerial credentials.
Guardiola has long been an admirer. He said previously: “One of the best managers in the world, Enzo Maresca, I know him quite well, but the job he has done at Chelsea does not get enough credit.
“Winning the Club World Cup, Conference League, and qualification for the Champions League in a league that is so tough with a young team. It is exceptional.”
