Man City set sights on Enzo Maresca as Pep Guardiola replacement

Manchester City are reportedly preparing towards finding the right replacement for Pep Guardiola, with Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca set to be in line for the Citizens’ job.

Guardiola’s contract with City expires in 2027, and reports have suggested that the Spanish manager could step down from his role at the Etihad Stadium following the conclusion of the current season.

According to David Ornstein of The Athletic, Maresca is on City’s shortlist of possible replacements for Guardiola, and has the approval of the club’s hierarchy.

The news comes following a recent outburst by the Blues manager, after their 2-0 victory over Everton at Stamford Bridge last weekend, calling for support from the club chiefs.

Ornstein asserts that City are monitoring the situation at the west London Club keenly, and will be ready to pounce for the Italian tactician once the opportunity arises.

🚨 EXCL: Enzo Maresca high among candidates Manchester City considering in case Pep Guardiola exits next summer. #MCFC advancing contingency work for possibility of manager change – 45yo #CFC coach prominent alongside other potential options @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/nbrXrvHpIt
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) December 18, 2025

While Guardiola’s departure is far from certain, a growing sense at City suggests he could walk away—with the club now actively preparing contingencies by sounding out potential replacements.

Pep Guardiola and Enzo Maresca at Man City’s training grounds (Image: Getty Images)

The Chelsea boss was the head coach of Man City’s U23 during the 2020-21 season, before taking on the head coach role at Parma, and he then returned to the club as Guardiola’s assistant manager in 2022.

Maresca was Pep’s right-hand man at City until he left for Leicester City in June 2023. He spent just one season at the King Power Stadium and secured promotion to the Premier League by convincingly winning the English Championship.

The 45-year-old was immediately snapped up by the new owners of Chelsea in July 2024, following a series of managerial changes in the dugout at the Bridge.

With over three-and-a-half years still left on his Chelsea contract, Maresca’s future is under intense scrutiny after he described the build-up to the Everton win as “the worst 48 hours since I joined the club—because many people didn’t support us.”

Reports suggest Maresca’s cryptic remarks were a direct shot at Chelsea’s owners, fueling speculation that his position as head coach could face serious scrutiny in the coming campaign.