Enzo Maresca will replace Pep Guardiola as Manchester City manager at the end of the season, having seemingly been endorsed by the outgoing Spaniard.
Despite having another 12 months left on the contract he signed in November 2024, Guardiola will leave the Etihad Stadium following a remarkable spell of success. He has led City to six Premier League titles, one Champions League, three FA Cups and five EFL Cups.
He will also be credited with revolutionising the way football is now played in England with teams up and down the land copying his possession-heavy style.
City go to Bournemouth tonight in a crucial match in their quest to catch Arsenal at the top of the Premier League. Any slip up at the Vitality Stadium will see the Gunners clinch their first league crown in 22 years.
Guardiola exit announcement may be brought forward by City
An announcement on Guardiola’s future was expected before Sunday’s final home game with Aston Villa to allow for mutual appreciation between the former Barcelona boss and City’s fans but that may now be brought forward.
His departure has been known internally for some time, enabling talks to take place with Maresca, who has always been the club’s first choice.
It is highly likely Guardiola would have been asked his opinion on his successor, as Sir Alex Ferguson was when he left Manchester United in 2013. And his public utterances on Maresca make clear his admiration for the 46-year-old Italian, who won two trophies with Chelsea before being sacked on New Year’s Day.
Guardiola said previously: “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 worked under Guardiola at City
Maresca is another in a long list of coaches that have gained inspiration from Guardiola’s methods having worked under him at City.
He initially guided their Elite Development Squad and, after a brief stint in charge of Parma, returned as one of Guardiola’s assistants for City’s treble-winning season in 2022/23.
He left the Etihad for Leicester City and guided the Foxes back into the Premier League in his sole season in charge before moving on to Chelsea.
