Report: Maresca high on Man City's list of potential Guardiola successors

Manchester City currently rate Enzo Maresca as one of their top candidates should manager Pep Guardiola leave the club in the summer, reports The Athletic's David Ornstein.

There's a growing feeling that this will be Guardiola's 10th and final season at City, sources told Ornstein. A firm decision on his future is reportedly expected toward the end of the campaign.

Chelsea's Maresca previously worked in Manchester City's academy - winning the Premier League 2 with the under-23 team in 2021 - and returned to join Guardiola's coaching staff following a brief spell in charge of Parma. Members of City's hierarchy still rate Maresca highly, but he reportedly wouldn't be the only contender to replace Guardiola.

Maresca left Manchester City for Leicester City in June 2023. He got the Foxes promoted back to the Premier League in his only season in charge before taking over Chelsea. He won last season's UEFA Conference League with the Blues before hoisting more silverware in the 2025 Club World Cup.

There has been speculation regarding Maresca's future at Chelsea after he said in the wake of Saturday's 2-0 win over Everton that he had endured his worst 48 hours at Chelsea. The Italian tactician complained that he and his team lacked "support" from "many people."

Premier League top four after 16 matches

Maresca is under contract at Chelsea through 2029. Guardiola's City deal runs until June 2027.

Guardiola greatly appreciates Maresca and is expected to be involved in the decision to select his successor when he decides to depart Manchester City, soccer insider Fabrizio Romano reports. Maresca recently appointed super-agent Jorge Mendes as his new representative.