Manchester City are actively preparing for a potential future without Pep Guardiola, with the club hierarchy identifying Chelsea's Enzo Maresca as a prime candidate to succeed the legendary coach.
Guardiola's Future Hangs in the Balance
According to reports from The Athletic, there is growing apprehension within the Etihad Stadium that Guardiola may decide to conclude his historic tenure at the end of the current season. The 54-year-old is expected to make a definitive decision about his future before this campaign concludes, at which point he will have just one year remaining on his existing contract.
Guardiola arrived at City in the summer of 2016 and has since presided over an era of domestic and European dominance. The pinnacle of his reign was the historic treble-winning season two years ago, a feat never before achieved by the club.
Club sources indicate that the ongoing Premier League investigation into the club's 115 alleged financial breaches will not influence Guardiola's personal decision. However, the process of formalising a succession plan is already underway.
Maresca Emerges as Leading Contender
Enzo Maresca, the current Chelsea manager, is understood to be highly regarded by the City decision-makers and features prominently on their shortlist. The Italian worked closely with Guardiola as his assistant during the 2022/23 season, giving him an intimate understanding of the club's footballing philosophy and culture.
Guardiola himself recently offered public and significant praise for Maresca's work at Stamford Bridge. Speaking after Chelsea's surprising defeat to Leeds United, Guardiola defended his former colleague's achievements.
'Look what happened after Leeds,' Guardiola said. 'One of the best managers in the world, Enzo Maresca, I know him quite well. The job he has done at Chelsea does not get enough credit. Winning the Club World Cup, Conference League, qualification for the Champions League in a league that is so tough with a young team. It is exceptional.'
Planning for a New Era
City's proactive search underscores the magnitude of the potential transition. Replacing Guardiola, who has delivered multiple Premier League titles and the club's first Champions League trophy, represents one of the most significant challenges in modern football.
Maresca's candidacy is strengthened by his successful stint at Leicester City prior to joining Chelsea, where he demonstrated his tactical acumen and man-management skills. His existing relationships with key figures at the Etihad and his alignment with the club's possession-based style make him a logical and compelling option.
The coming months will be crucial as Guardiola deliberates his next move and Manchester City solidify their contingency strategies, setting the stage for a potentially seismic shift in the Premier League landscape next summer.
