Enzo Maresca to succeed Guardiola at Man City

Enzo Maresca is set to replace Pep Guardiola before next season at Manchester City. Pep Guardiola is expected to leave the club following this Sunday's home game against Aston Villa at Etihad Stadium, their final game of the season, as reported by BBC Sport on Monday. Enzo Maresca has been identified as the leading contender to replace Pep Guardiola for the 2026-27 season.

Talks with Enzo Maresca are at an advanced stage, with City preparing for Pep Guardiola's summer exit for more than six months. The 46-year-old wants the job. Enzo Maresca previously worked at City directly under Pep Guardiola during City's treble-winning 2022-23 campaign and played a key role in the club's academy prior to joining the first team. He left City in 2023 to manage Leicester, whom he guided to promotion to the Premier League in his only season. He won the Club World Cup and the Conference League and secured Champions League qualification during his only full season at Stamford Bridge.

Enzo Maresca is expected to be confirmed as Pep Guardiola's successor in due course. Pep 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, and qualification for the Champions League in a league that is so tough with a young team. It is exceptional."