Analyzing Enzo Maresca's Potential Move from Chelsea to Manchester City - A Strategic Succession Plan Revealed
Enzo Maresca's recent dismissal from Stamford Bridge has exposed a potentially strategic move as he revealed discussions with Manchester City officials about succeeding Pep Guardiola at the Etihad Stadium. Dive deep into the unfolding saga and the implications for both clubs.
Enzo Maresca, who has been relieved of his duties at Stamford Bridge, revealed to Chelsea on a couple of occasions prior to his New Year’s Day dismissal that he has held talks with officials at Manchester City regarding a potential opportunity to succeed Pep Guardiola at the Etihad Stadium. The Italian tactician is now out of work and waiting on enticing offers.Maresca has taken in two spells with City as a coach. He worked with the club’s U21 team in the 2020-21 campaign, before returning to familiar surroundings as an assistant to Guardiola following a brief stint in charge of Parma in his homeland.A retracing of steps to the blue half of Manchester has been speculated on. The Athletic has reported on how City are in the process of drawing up contingency plans for the summer of 2026, in case Guardiola decides to walk away from the final year of his contract.Sources claim that there is a “growing anticipation of this being Guardiola’s last season at City”, with “a firm decision likely to be made closer to the campaign finishing”. If the ex-Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss were to depart, then a suitable successor will need to be found.Maresca is said to have retained “admirers in the hierarchy” at the Etihad and “is expected to figure prominently if a vacancy arises”. He will not be the only candidate under consideration, with former City captain Vincent Kompany - who is now working with England captain Harry Kane at Bayern - also being billed as a Blues boss of the future.City acknowledge that Guardiola tends to leave things “relatively late before determining his future”, meaning that all bases need to be covered. The Athletic reports that the Financial Fair Play (FFP) case which continues to cast a cloud over the Etihad, with no verdict being delivered as yet in a saga which involves at least 115 charges, does not have “any bearing on Guardiola’s situation”.Looking for smarter football bets? Get expert previews, data-driven predictions & winning insights with GOAL Tips on Telegram. Join our growing community now!Maresca has been aware of the uncertainty in Manchester for some time. According to The Athletic, he spoke with City officials on a couple of occasions during the first half of the 2025-26 campaign.They report that: “Sources briefed on the matter not authorised to speak publicly indicate Maresca informed Chelsea — twice in late October and again in mid-December — that he was talking to people associated to City about his candidacy for the managerial position if and when a future vacancy arises.” Maresca was “contractually obliged” to inform Chelsea of any discussions that he held with other clubs.The 45-year-old will have done his cause in west London few favours by admitting to talking with domestic rivals. He further soured his image in the eyes of Blues bosses when speaking publicly in mid-December about the supposed lack of “support” that he was receiving at Chelsea.Maresca did guide Chelsea to the Carabao Cup semi-finals on the back of those comments, but saw his reign brought to a close at the start of 2026 following a run of three Premier League games without a win. His final match at the helm was a 2-2 draw with Bournemouth that saw the home side booed off at the Bridge.Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reportingIt remains to be seen where his next role will come, and who Chelsea will turn to as his replacement, but Guardiola would appear to be in favour of passing his baton on to a familiar face.City’s current boss has previously said of a man that he holds in the highest regard: “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.”Winning two trophies and guiding Chelsea back into elite European competition was not enough for Maresca to keep his job, with the Blues now preparing to move in a different direction.
Enzo Maresca's Background and Previous Stints at Manchester City
Enzo Maresca, the Italian tactician who recently parted ways with Chelsea, has a history with Manchester City. He first worked with the club's U21 team in the 2020-21 season before returning as an assistant to Pep Guardiola after a brief coaching spell at Parma. His familiarity with City and their officials has now come to the forefront as talks about a potential managerial role at the club emerge.
Manchester City's Contingency Plans and Guardiola's Future
Reports suggest that Manchester City is preparing contingency plans for the potential departure of Pep Guardiola in the summer of 2026. While Guardiola's decision is yet to be finalized, there's a growing anticipation of his exit. Enzo Maresca has been identified as a candidate who could succeed Guardiola, given his previous association with the club and his managerial capabilities.
Enzo Maresca's Communications with Chelsea and City
Sources indicate that Maresca informed Chelsea on multiple occasions about his discussions with Manchester City regarding a potential managerial role. Despite contractual obligations to disclose such talks, Maresca's revelations may have played a role in his dismissal from Stamford Bridge. His openness about feeling unsupported at Chelsea also contributed to his departure.
Guardiola's Endorsement of Maresca and Potential Impact on Succession
Pep Guardiola has publicly praised Enzo Maresca's managerial abilities and achievements at Chelsea, acknowledging him as one of the best in the world. Guardiola's endorsement of Maresca, coupled with City's reported interest in him, could indicate a smooth transition should Guardiola decide to step down. However, other candidates like Vincent Kompany are also being considered for the managerial position.
Next Steps for Maresca and Chelsea's Managerial Choices
As Enzo Maresca looks for his next opportunity, Chelsea finds itself in search of a new manager following his departure. With Maresca's potential move to Manchester City in the spotlight, it remains to be seen how both clubs will navigate this situation. Guardiola's looming decision and the ongoing FFP case at City add further complexity to the managerial landscape.
