Manchester City are reportedly preparing for life after Pep Guardiola, with former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca emerging as the leading candidate to succeed the Spaniard at the Etihad Stadium.
Guardiola is expected to step down following City’s final Premier League match of the season against Aston Villa, bringing an end to one of the most successful managerial reigns in football history.
Maresca leads shortlist for Etihad job
Maresca has quickly become the bookmakers’ favourite after previously working under Guardiola as part of Manchester City’s coaching staff.
The Italian had long been viewed internally as a potential successor even during his spell at Chelsea, and his availability has now accelerated speculation surrounding the role.
City’s hierarchy are understood to have anticipated Guardiola’s eventual departure, with Maresca considered a strong cultural and tactical fit given his close ties to the current football structure at the club.
Former City captain Vincent Kompany is also among the contenders after impressing at Bayern Munich, where he guided the German side to the Bundesliga title and the Champions League semi-finals this season.
Familiar names linked with City transition
Several high-profile managers have also been linked with the vacancy as City prepare for a major transition.
Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner is reportedly admired after transforming Palace into one of the Premier League’s most organised sides, while Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi and Guardiola assistant Pep Ljinders are also being discussed internally.
Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique remains another possible option should City decide to pursue a more established elite-level manager.
Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola has also attracted attention following his impressive work on the south coast, although questions remain over whether City would prefer a coach with greater experience managing at the very highest level.
Guardiola leaves behind historic legacy
Whoever eventually replaces Guardiola will inherit enormous expectations after the Catalan transformed Manchester City into one of the dominant forces in modern football.
During his time at the club, Guardiola delivered 20 major trophies, including multiple Premier League titles, Champions League success and a historic Treble-winning campaign.
His departure would mark the end of a defining era at the Etihad, with City now facing one of the most important managerial decisions in the club’s history.
