Man City target shock Enzo Maresca swoop if Pep Guardiola leaves next summer

View 2 Images

Manchester City have Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca in their sights in case Pep Guardiola walks out. The Spaniard has enjoyed a hugely successful decade at the Etihad Stadium.

He has claimed six Premier League titles, two FA Cup crowns, four League Cups and led the side to their maiden Champions League trophy. But there is growing concern within the club that Guardiola could look to leave at the end of this season.

According to The Athletic , there is a ‘growing anticipation’ that this could be Guardiola’s final campaign as City boss despite having only penned a new deal until 2027 last year. Should he choose to leave the club, City chiefs have already started putting contingency plans in place.

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca is admired at the club, having had two spells with City - one as a youth coach and another as an assistant under Guardiola. The Italian has since gone on to manage Leicester and Chelsea, having won promotion to the Premier League with the latter, while he led the Blues to the Europa Conference League and Club World Cup. He remains under contract until 2029, with the option of a further campaign.

But the 45-year-old has recently put his future in doubt with some explosive comments, claiming he was not receiving ‘support’. Speaking after last weekend’s win vs Everton , he said: "So the effort, the open mind, the way they want to learn has been fantastic and this is the reason why I praise the players because with so many problems, they are doing very well after a complicated week.

"Since I joined the club, the last 48 hours have been the worst 48 hours since I joined the club because many people didn't support us.”

When asked to clarify, Maresca added. "Worst 48 hours since I joined the club because people didn't support me and the team."

View 2 Images

Would Maresca be a good appointment for Man City? Share your thoughts in the comments below

Maresca has since declined to clarify further. It is not known whether Maresca would be interested in a move back to City, while the club also have other potential options. Chelsea would likely take a strong stance should their Premier League rivals attempt a move.

Any appointment will depend solely on what decision Guardiola makes. Speaking out on his future earlier this season, the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss said: "I've said many times I don't know what will happen [in the future]. Results dictate the positions and I have to make a good season.

"I will not stay when I feel that the club needs a change. But right now, I feel I want to do it, more than ever after what happened last season.

"I am not saying that just because of what I have done in the past. I like to look forward. But the time I am going to stay? When I first joined and signed for three years I would never expected to have stayed for a decade. I am so proud of that. I want to help the team, the club again and again."

Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £336 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.