If Josep Guardiola leaves, Enzo Maresca could become Manchester City’s new manager, with the former Chelsea boss having been out of work since January.
Enzo Maresca reveals his plans (Image: Gabriele Maltinti – FIGC/FIGC via Getty Images)
Former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca says he is “ready” to return to management as he is reported to be a favorite to replace Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Maresca, 46, left Chelsea in January following a backstage rift.
The Italian won two trophies during his 18 months at Stamford Bridge, including the Club World Cup. Maresca’s stock remains high, especially considering Chelsea’s struggles since his sudden departure.
He has worked alongside Guardiola at City and within the academy and is expected to replace the legendary manager if he decides to leave this summer. Guardiola is yet to announce his plans and his contract runs until 2027.
As for Maresca, he is eager to return to the dugout. “I feel ready for the next chapter, that’s the most important thing,” the 46-year-old admitted on Sky Italia.
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When asked specifically about taking the City job, Maresca did not rule out the possibility. “Regardless of the club, the important thing is whether you are ready or not,” he replied. “There are only a few weeks left until the end of the season, so let’s see what happens after that.”
Maresca has also been linked with Napoli and Roma in his native Italy. His link with City began in the 2020-21 season, when he led the Under-21s to their first two Premier League titles.
That summer, Maresca left to take up his first managerial job at Parma, but only lasted 14 games. The former West Bromwich Albion, Juventus and Sevilla midfielder has since returned to City and was part of Guardiola’s coaching staff in 2022-23, when City won the title.
Maresca was then appointed as Leicester’s new manager following their relegation from the Premier League, and immediately led Leicester back to the top flight as champions. His time at Chelsea was turbulent, but the Blues qualified for the Champions League in their first season and won the Conference League.
If Pep Guardiola leaves Manchester City, should Enzo Maresca be his replacement? Please share your thoughts in the comments section.
Enzo Maresca leaves Chelsea on a bitter note (Image: Warren Little/Getty Images)
Having given their all in the Club World Cup, Chelsea didn’t get much rest last summer and their players have suffered as a result. Despite two wins in nine games, there were a number of disagreements off the pitch, and Maresca left the club by mutual consent.
City are making contingency plans in case Guardiola leaves the club, but he recently hinted he might stay. Guardiola explained: “If I didn’t have a great environment, I wouldn’t have been here for 10 years, even if I had won a good title.”
“I feel better now, but I don’t know…I’m happy, I’m not happy, but I don’t know…I still have incredible energy. I’m still very energetic and I come here to work on my days off.”
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