Enzo Maresca linked to future Manchester City role
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca may have only just begun his journey at Stamford Bridge, but he's already being touted as a potential future leader of Manchester City. According to recent reports, the Italian coach is being considered as the top candidate to take over if Pep Guardiola decides to depart City at the end of the current season.
Success at Chelsea and previous ties with City
Maresca, 45, led Chelsea to a FIFA Club World Cup and a UEFA Conference League title during his debut season, having arrived from Leicester City where he had his first top-tier managerial role. His ties with Manchester City run deep—Maresca previously served as Guardiola’s assistant and also held a coaching role in the club’s academy.
Guardiola’s uncertain future
With Guardiola’s contract running until June 2027, speculation is mounting that he might opt to leave sooner.
Sources from The Athletic state expectations are growing that this could be the Spaniard’s final season in charge of the Sky Blues.
Reportedly, this decision would not be related to the over 100 charges Manchester City faces from the Premier League.
Maresca’s frustrations despite recent win
While Maresca’s job at Chelsea doesn’t appear to be under immediate threat, his recent remarks fuel questions about his long-term future in West London. Following a 2-0 victory over Everton that ended a four-match winless streak, Maresca labeled the preceding 48 hours as the toughest in his Chelsea career.
He expressed frustration with internal processes and perceived lack of support for his coaching staff.
Structural issues at Chelsea
Though he reiterated his deep affection for the club and its fans, Maresca’s criticism highlighted underlying structural issues. As detailed by insider David Ornstein, Chelsea is among a group of clubs—along with Liverpool—where sporting directors have ultimate control over personnel decisions, in contrast with manager-led models like Arsenal or Manchester City.
In Chelsea's system, Maresca has to defer to decision-makers above him, and after a slump in form, a meeting—possibly following a draw against Atalanta—may have sparked the coach’s discontent.
An example of leadership overriding the manager came in the summer transfer window. Despite Maresca’s pleas for a central defender after Levi Colwill’s injury, the board opted to bring in wingers and midfielder Facundo Buonanotte instead.
Switch to Jorge Mendes and what comes next
Recently, Maresca switched his representation to superagent Jorge Mendes, signaling a potential shift in his career strategy. While his position in London appears stable for now, any further public criticism could sour relations.
At season's end, Chelsea's leadership is expected to assess his performance, with ambitions clearly set on finishing in the Premier League’s top four and clinching more silverware.