Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has reportedly emerged as one of the leading candidates to replace Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, amid growing speculation that the Spaniard could be nearing the end of his remarkable reign at the Etihad Stadium.

According to The Athletic, the current season could be Guardiola’s last in charge of the Premier League champions, prompting City to quietly assess potential successors. Maresca’s name has now entered that conversation, largely due to his strong tactical profile and past working relationship with Guardiola.

The Italian coach, however, remains firmly under contract at Chelsea until 2030, meaning any move would require formal negotiations with the London club and a significant compensation package. Chelsea are believed to be keen on keeping Maresca, viewing him as a key part of their long-term project.

Still, Maresca’s recent comments after Chelsea’s 2–0 victory over Everton—where he described the period as his “worst 48 hours”—have raised eyebrows within the club. Senior Chelsea officials are said to be puzzled by the remarks, with uncertainty over whether they were linked to internal pressures or speculation surrounding a possible opening at Manchester City, a club where Maresca once served as an assistant under Guardiola.

Before arriving at Stamford Bridge, Maresca also held the head coach role at Leicester City, further bolstering his credentials as a progressive manager shaped by Guardiola’s football philosophy.

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Maresca’s rise as a potential Guardiola successor feels both logical and risky. On one hand, his tactical education under Guardiola makes him a natural philosophical fit for Manchester City’s system. City have long valued continuity, and Maresca represents a familiar footballing DNA.

On the other hand, replacing Guardiola is arguably the toughest job in world football. The expectations, the standards, and the shadow of a generational manager could overwhelm even the most promising coach. For Chelsea, losing Maresca so early into a long-term project would also raise questions about stability and direction.

Whether this is genuine interest or early speculation, one thing is clear: Maresca’s stock is rising fast. If Guardiola truly steps aside, Manchester City’s next appointment will define a new era—and Maresca may well be standing at the crossroads of opportunity and pressure.