Enzo Maresca To Replace Guardiola At Manchester City

Enzo Maresca is set to take over as the next manager of Manchester City, as it is anticipated that Pep Guardiola will resign following the team's last match of the season against Aston Villa this Sunday.

Naija News reported on Monday that Guardiola will conclude his successful tenure at the Etihad Stadium during this summer.

City has been preparing for the Spaniard's exit for over six months, and negotiations with Maresca are reportedly well underway. The 46-year-old Italian is believed to be eager for the position and is expected to be officially announced as Guardiola’s successor before the 2026-27 season begins, according to the BBC.

Maresca has experienced a rapid ascent in his career. In his lone complete season as head coach of Chelsea, he secured both the Club World Cup and the Conference League, in addition to achieving Champions League qualification. These successes have elevated his standing as one of the most promising coaches in Europe.

His connection with City is significant. Maresca previously assisted Guardiola during the club's remarkable treble-winning season in 2022-23 and had an important role in the academy before advancing to the first team.

He departed from the Etihad in 2023 to manage Leicester City, leading them back to the Premier League at the first attempt, which further enhanced his reputation as a manager.

Guardiola has consistently held Maresca in high regard. He once remarked: “Enzo Maresca is one of the best managers in the world; I know him well, yet the work he accomplished at Chelsea is underappreciated.

“Winning the Club World Cup, the Conference League, and achieving Champions League qualification in such a challenging league with a young squad is remarkable.”