Manchester City are reportedly preparing for a future without Pep Guardiola, with former assistant coach Enzo Maresca emerging as the leading candidate to succeed him at the Etihad Stadium.
Fresh reports suggest Guardiola could step down after Manchester City’s final Premier League match of the season against Aston Villa on Sunday, potentially ending one of the most successful managerial eras in English football history.
Although the Spaniard still has one year remaining on his current contract, senior figures within the club are reportedly already preparing for a managerial transition ahead of next season.
Internally, Maresca is believed to be highly regarded because of his strong connection to Guardiola’s football philosophy and his understanding of Manchester City’s tactical structure and dressing room culture.
The Italian was previously part of Guardiola’s coaching staff during City’s historic treble-winning campaign before leaving to pursue his own managerial career.
Since then, Maresca has managed Leicester City and later Chelsea FC, where he gained recognition for implementing a possession-based system similar to Guardiola’s style.
While his spell at Chelsea ended earlier this year amid reported disagreements with the club hierarchy, his reputation within elite football circles remains strong.
Guardiola himself has previously spoken highly of Maresca, describing him as one of the best managers in modern football.
“One of the best managers in the world, Enzo Maresca,” Guardiola said. “The job he has done at Chelsea does not get enough credit.”
Manchester City reportedly see Maresca as a natural continuation of Guardiola’s football identity due to his familiarity with the club’s coaching methods, internal structure and long-term philosophy.
Since arriving from Bayern Munich in 2016, Guardiola has transformed Manchester City into one of the dominant forces in world football, winning multiple Premier League titles, domestic trophies and the UEFA Champions League.
His influence has extended beyond trophies, with City widely regarded as one of the most tactically advanced teams of the modern era under his leadership.
Despite growing speculation surrounding his future, neither Guardiola nor Manchester City have officially confirmed that he will leave at the end of the season.
However, reports indicate the 55-year-old could announce his decision shortly after Sunday’s final Premier League fixture.
Should Maresca eventually take over, he would inherit not only one of football’s biggest managerial jobs but also the immense pressure of succeeding one of the greatest coaches in the sport’s history.
