Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca is high among the candidates to replace Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola next summer, journalist David Ornstein has revealed.
The Etihad Stadium side are believed to be drawing up contingency plans in case the Spanish tactician decides to leave at the end of the season, with Maresca among the managers under consideration.
Maresca previously worked at Manchester City at both youth and senior levels, including assisting Guardiola during the 2022/23 treble-winning season.
The Italian tactician, who took charge of Chelsea in the summer of 2024, is under contract at Stamford Bridge until June 2029, with the club holding an option for a further year.
Pep Guardiola Could Leave Man City
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola sitting at Craven Cottage.
Premier League - Fulham v Manchester City - Craven Cottage, London, Britain - December 2, 2025 Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola before the match REUTERS/David Klein
Ornstein, writing on X, revealed that Manchester City are preparing for Guardiola’s potential departure at the end of the season, with Maresca among the managers being eyed as replacements.
Per Ornstein’s report, there is growing anticipation that this could be Guardiola’s last season at City, with a firm decision likely to be made closer to the end of the campaign.
The Catalan tactician only penned a new three-year deal with the Etihad Stadium side in November 2024 but could be on the move as soon as next summer.
Having spent two years at City working with the Under-21s squad and later the first team, Maresca has no shortage of admirers within the club’s hierarchy and is expected to be among the potential options should Guardiola decide to vacate his role.