Blues boss, a former Pep deputy, on shortlist amid growing uncertainty over his own Chelsea future.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has emerged as a serious candidate to potentially succeed Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, according to a report from David Ornstein of The Athletic. The move would mark a dramatic reunion, as the Italian previously served as Guardiola’s assistant during the club’s historic treble-winning season.
While Guardiola’s contract runs until 2027, a growing belief that he could depart next summer has prompted City’s hierarchy to discreetly compile a shortlist of replacements. Maresca, due to his intimate knowledge of the club’s football philosophy from his time on the coaching staff, is understood to be a strong contender.
This interest arrives at a sensitive time for the Chelsea boss. Maresca’s future at Stamford Bridge has been under intense scrutiny since last weekend, when he described the build-up to a victory over Everton as “the worst 48 hours since I joined the club,” a comment widely interpreted as criticism of the club’s ownership. While his contract runs until 2028, speculation has mounted that his position could be reviewed next year.
The 44-year-old’s connection to City is well-established. After a stint as the club’s U23 head coach, he returned in 2022 to work directly alongside Guardiola before launching his own managerial career at Leicester City and, subsequently, Chelsea.
Manchester City’s monitoring of his situation adds a significant new layer of uncertainty to Chelsea’s project. For now, the focus remains on the pitch, but the shadow of a potential Etihad return now looms over Maresca’s tenure in West London.
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