Pep Guardiola is expected to leave Manchester City following Sunday’s match against Aston Villa at the Etihad Stadium, their final game of the season.
Former Chelsea head coach, Enzo Maresca, has emerged as the leading candidate to take over for the 2026-27 campaign.
City have been preparing for Guardiola’s departure for over six months, with discussions around succession already advanced.
Maresca is understood to be keen on the role, with formal confirmation expected once final processes are completed.
ALSO READ: Guardiola set to leave Man City – Reports
The Italian, who won the Club World Cup and Conference League while securing Champions League qualification in his only full season at Stamford Bridge, is no stranger to the City system. He previously worked at the club as assistant to Guardiola during the treble-winning 2022-23 season and also played a role in the academy setup.
He left in 2023 to take charge of Leicester City, guiding them to Premier League promotion in his sole season in charge.
Guardiola previously spoke positively about him, saying, “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, qualification for the Champions League in a league that is so tough with a young team. It is exceptional.”
Maresca’s expected arrival would mark a shift in profile at City, moving from one of the most decorated coaches in modern football to a younger figure shaped within the same coaching environment.
He is part of the coaching branch influenced by Guardiola’s methods, similar to Mikel Arteta, who has since built success at Arsenal after leaving City’s staff.
His time at Chelsea showed both progress and tension. While results were largely positive, his final months were affected by friction with the club’s hierarchy. Even so, he maintained strong support within the dressing room and left with respect from much of the squad.
At City, confidence in his suitability is believed to come from internal knowledge of his methods and personality. The club see continuity in his tactical approach, particularly his preference for structured possession and controlled build-up play.
Maresca’s path has followed a familiar pattern: assistant under Guardiola, development at smaller clubs, and a return to elite-level football with a stronger mandate. Leicester’s promotion campaign further strengthened his reputation before his move to Chelsea.
City’s ownership are understood to have carried out long-term planning for this transition. Any final decision will follow extensive internal review, but the direction of travel is clear.
Should the move be confirmed, Maresca will inherit one of the most demanding roles in football, stepping into a team and structure built over a decade under Guardiola.
Having spent time within the same system, he is expected to bring stability rather than disruption, but the challenge of replacing one of the most successful managers in the game remains significant.
