It does not feel as if it will be long before Chelsea fans will see the return of former manager Enzo Maresca to the dugout of a big club.
Ever since his departure from Stamford Bridge on New Year’s Day, reports have consistently linked the Italian to a sharp return to management.
Maresca was briefly linked with former club Leicester City, but realistically his qualities will see him wanting a job at the top end of English football.
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Gary Lineker has asked for Tottenham to consider Maresca. Igor Tudor is set to take the reins there, but only until the end of the season.
Former Chelsea manager 34th Panchina D'oro Awards. Maresca has been linked with the manager's jobs at Tottenham and Manchester City.
Photo by Gabriele Maltinti – FIGC/FIGC via Getty Images
Enzo Maresca ‘leading candidate’ to replace Pep Guardiola at Manchester City
Despite that desire, it does not look as if the Club World Cup winner is planning to make the controversial switch across London.
Fabrizio Romano has stated that no talks have taken place between the two parties, with Maresca instead the firm favourite to take over at Manchester City.
He said: “No talks between Tottenham and Enzo Maresca so far despite recent links. Understand Maresca remains the clear leading candidate to be next Manchester City head coach, when/if Pep Guardiola decides to leave.”
There have been strong reports that Guardiola could be amidst his last season at the Etihad after a decade of dominance in England, and the timing would be perfect if Maresca is being considered for that role.
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Enzo Maresca on Chelsea injuries
Photo by Robin Jones – AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images
Maresca to City was on the cards before he left Chelsea
After working as a coach under Guardiola and a successful stint with the City youth side, it is clear he has an affection to the Premier League giants.
It has been reported that talks between Maresca and City had taken place while he was still in charge at Chelsea.
While this didn’t break any terms of his contract, it didn’t sit well with the Blues’ decision makers, who were already starting to get frustrated at his conduct.
Chelsea seem to be far happier with how things are since Liam Rosenior’s hiring, and the Blues have won eight of the 11 games he has been in charge of.
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