placeholder image
Getty Images
Enzo Maresca has been linked with taking over from Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.
If they win their next game against West Ham, they could go to the top of the table if Arsenal drops points. Guardiola has done a fantastic job, but he can’t be City boss forever, and the club are beginning to consider who they would replace him with once he leaves.
According to The Athletic, Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca is high up on their list, as he previously worked under Pep as an assistant at the Etihad. It would be a real coup to steal from a rival, but is Maresca the best choice?
Man City should go after Oliver Glasner instead
When looking for a manager at Man City, the primary focus is all about winning trophies, playing good football, and making sure that the star players are being used in the best ways possible, with that in mind, City should consider Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner instead of Maresca, because that is exactly what he’s done at Selhurst Park.
Glasner came in at Palace in February 2024, and he has transformed the South London club, to become a European outfit, and a trophy-winning side. Glasner has taken charge of 88 games at Palace, earning 1.74 points per match, and last season, he not only managed to get them into the Europa Conference League for the first time, but he also helped them win an FA Cup...for the first time.
Glasner’s strengths at Palace have been that he’s able to build his teams around his star players. His style of football has given Jean-Philippe Mateta the chance to become a top-class target man. City’s next manager, whoever they are, will need to get the best out of Erling Haaland, and Glasner has all the tools to do that.
Furthermore, his contract expires at Palace at the end of this season, meaning he could be available sooner rather than later if Pep decides to leave.
When will Guardiola leave Man City?
The Man City boss has been at the Etihad for 2016, and he’s won six Premier League titles in that time. His contract is due to expire at the end of the 2026/27 season, as he signed a two-year extension last term.
However, according to the same report by the Athletic, there are growing beliefs that Pep could be in his last season as Man City boss, despite the fact it was understood he was going to see out his contract and then take a break from management.
Guardiola himself hasn’t spoken out on the issue, but he did make it clear last year that he wasn’t planning to stay at City for the long-term. So, Glasner’s contract running out at Palace at the end of this season, might be ideal timing.
Continue Reading