Man City identify Enzo Maresca among options to replace Pep Guardiola: Report

Rajarshi has been part of Khel Now since 2022, and he covers world football.

Published at :December 18, 2025 at 9:15 PM

Modified at :December 18, 2025 at 9:15 PM

Enzo Maresca has previously worked with Pep Guardiola at Man City.

At the Etihad Stadium, the Spaniard has enjoyed an incredibly prosperous ten years. If Pep Guardiola leaves, Manchester City have their sights set on Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca.

Pep has won four League Cups, two FA Cups, six Premier League titles, and guided the team to its first UEFA Champions League victory. However, there is increasing worry within the team that Guardiola might consider leaving at the end of this campaign.

Despite having only signed a new contract last year that would extend until 2027, there is “growing anticipation” that this could be Guardiola’s last season as City manager, according to The Athletic.

City officials have already begun preparing backup plans in case he decides to leave the team. With 34 points so far this campaign, City are only two points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal.

Guardiola’s decision could be influenced by City’s final ranking. But if the role does become available, it is expected to be one of the most sought-after positions in the sport.

City could replace Pep Guardiola with Enzo Maresca

Pep Guardiola Manchester City — Pep Guardiola of Man City could leave after the end of the season. (Photo by Simon Hofmann/Bundesliga/DFL via Getty Images)

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca is well-liked by the team, having worked for City twice, once as a youth coach and once as Guardiola’s assistant.

Before leading the Blues to the UEFA Conference League and FIFA Club World Cup, the Italian had gone on to manage Leicester City, winning promotion to the Premier League. He has a contract that expires in 2029, with the option of another season.

However, the 45-year-old recently made some inflammatory remarks that cast doubt on his future, saying he was not getting “support.”

Chelsea won the FIFA Club World Cup this summer and are currently fourth in the Premier League standings with 28 points.

Maresca was the head coach of Parma and Leicester City before joining Chelsea. Leicester were promoted back into the Premier League after he guided them to the 2023–24 EFL Championship title.

Has Enzo Maresca worked at City?

Yes. He was even Guardiola’s assistant from 2022 to 2023.

When is Pep Guardiola’s City deal expiring?

Guardiola’s City contract will end in 2027.

Who is leading the Premier League table?

Arsenal are leading the Premier League table with 36 points.

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Rajarshi Shukla

After earning a bachelor's degree in mass media, Rajarshi began his career as a sports writer in 2019, driven by his passion for sports journalism. He has been working in the field for over six years. A devoted fan of Lionel Messi and Barcelona, Rajarshi has been involved in sports since childhood. Before turning his focus to journalism, he even represented his college at the state level. Along with covering football, he enjoys playing the game, watching movies, and experimenting with new recipes in his spare time, as cooking is one of his favorite hobbies.