Chelsea are not commenting on the rumours of Manchester City's interest in appointing Enzo Maresca as their new head coach, should Pep Guardiola depart at the end of the season. Speculation is rife that Guardiola may bid farewell to the Etihad Stadium this summer, marking a decade at the helm of the Manchester club.
City are reportedly weighing up their options for a potential successor, with former employee Maresca high on their list. Maresca, currently Chelsea boss, has had previous ties with City, having worked with their Under-23s during the 2020/21 season before taking up the reins at Parma. After a brief stint in Italy, he returned to City in June 2022 as Guardiola's assistant during their triumphant 22/23 campaign.
City have been closely monitoring Maresca's performance at Stamford Bridge over the past year and a half, which includes securing a Conference League trophy and winning the newly revamped FIFA Club World Cup.
Guardiola himself has praised Maresca earlier this month, stating: "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, qualification for the Champions League in a league that is so tough with a young team. It is exceptional."
Recent days have seen some turbulence at Chelsea, with Maresca openly criticising a lack of internal support at the club following their victory over Everton. The Italian boss did not elaborate on his comments, but they are reported to have taken some club officials by surprise.
These remarks may be more understandable in light of interest from City, although Maresca is under a long-term contract at Stamford Bridge until 2029, with an option to extend for another year.
At the end of the season, Chelsea and Maresca will hold a joint review to evaluate their two seasons of collaboration, similar to the process undertaken with Mauricio Pochettino, albeit after just one term, according to Football.London.