Maresca’s Prospective Return to Manchester City Amid Guardiola’s Future Uncertainty

Enzo Maresca has experienced two coaching spells at Manchester City, initially working with the U21 team during the 2020-21 season. He later returned to the club as an assistant to Pep Guardiola after a brief managerial stint at Parma in Italy.

Speculation has arisen regarding a potential transition back to Manchester’s blue half. According to The Athletic, City is devising contingency plans for the summer of 2026, should Guardiola choose to leave before the conclusion of his contract. Sources indicate there is “growing anticipation” that this season may indeed be Guardiola’s last at City, with a definitive decision expected closer to the end of the campaign. In the event of his departure, identifying a suitable successor will be paramount.

Maresca is reportedly held in high regard within the club’s hierarchy and is anticipated to be a prominent candidate if a managerial vacancy occurs. However, he will not be the only contender, as former City captain Vincent Kompany, now at Bayern Munich alongside England captain Harry Kane, is also being considered as a potential future manager for the Blues.

City recognizes that Guardiola tends to take his time in announcing his future plans, necessitating thorough preparations. The ongoing Financial Fair Play (FFP) investigation, which involves over 115 charges and remains unresolved, is noted to have no impact on Guardiola’s situation.

Maresca has been cognizant of the uncertainties surrounding Manchester City for some time. Reports suggest he has had several discussions with City officials during the early stages of the 2025-26 season. Sources indicate he informed Chelsea of these discussions on multiple occasions, as he was contractually obligated to disclose any talks with rival clubs.

While Maresca’s admission of conversations with domestic competitors may have complicated his standing at Chelsea, he initially led the team to the Carabao Cup semi-finals. However, his tenure ended in early 2026 due to a string of three Premier League matches without a win, culminating in a disappointing 2-2 draw against Bournemouth that drew boos from the home crowd.

It remains uncertain what Maresca’s next steps will be or who Chelsea will appoint as his successor. However, Guardiola seems inclined to endorse Maresca as a suitable candidate for the managerial role, stating, “One of the best managers in the world, Enzo Maresca, I know him quite well; the job he has done at Chelsea does not receive enough credit. Winning the Club World Cup, Conference League, and securing Champions League qualification in such a challenging league with a young team is exceptional.”

Despite Maresca’s success in securing two trophies and restoring Chelsea to elite European competition, it was insufficient to secure his position, as the club prepares to pursue a new direction.