Premier League Giants Eye Stunning Raid for Chelsea's Enzo Maresca
Chelsea's head coach Enzo Maresca has surprisingly surfaced as a potential candidate to succeed Pep Guardiola at Manchester City during the upcoming summer transfer window.
Maresca maintains clear connections to both Guardiola and City. The Italian strategist previously worked as the club's U23 manager before becoming a first-team assistant during their historic treble-winning 2022–23 season.
Guardiola enthusiastically praised his former associate as "among the finest managers globally" earlier this term. He may now become his eventual replacement.
The Chelsea manager is reportedly "prominently featured among the prospects" Manchester City are evaluating to bridge the significant void Guardiola will create upon his eventual departure from the Etihad, according to The Athletic. The timing of that departure remains uncertain.
Although he signed a contract extension running through summer 2027, "there is mounting speculation" that Guardiola might step down following this season's conclusion.
The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager has already exceeded his longest tenure at any single institution. This campaign marks his tenth year in Manchester; he previously spent only four seasons in Catalonia and three at Bayern before departing.
Guardiola has described feeling obligated to remain at City in November 2024 to guide the club through a challenging period. The struggles initially intensified before he ultimately secured a third-place finish (two points ahead of Maresca's Chelsea) and reached the FA Cup final.
If City concludes the season with major trophies—Guardiola is increasingly optimistic about a Premier League title pursuit—the renowned manager might consider retirement.
Any determination regarding Guardiola's future is expected to be postponed until the season's end—typical behavior for the cautious manager who has historically preferred one-year contracts. Maresca's Chelsea agreement extends much longer, though his commitment may not be as steadfast.
Would Maresca Depart Chelsea for Man City?
This development emerges at a fascinating moment.
Maresca has captured attention recently after describing the "most difficult 48 hours" of his Chelsea management following apparent trust issues with unspecified parties. With limited communication to the club's co-sporting directors and ownership, the Italian's position has become increasingly precarious.
Chelsea have secured Maresca through a contract lasting until 2029, which includes an additional one-year extension option.
Despite the ambiguous statements Maresca made during recent enigmatic press briefings, the Italian offered a clear response when asked about his complete dedication to Chelsea: "Absolutely, yes." That commitment could face scrutiny from City in the coming months.