Enzo Maresca set to replace Guardiola as Manchester City enter new era

By Jessica Afuye

Reports indicate that a major managerial transition is taking shape at Manchester City, with Enzo Maresca widely expected to succeed Pep Guardiola as head coach at the end of the season.

Although Guardiola still has time remaining on his contract and suggested on Monday that he intended to stay for another year, growing reports across Europe now suggest an agreement has been reached for him to step down after completing the current campaign.

Guardiola’s anticipated departure would bring an end to one of the most successful managerial reigns in modern football. Since taking charge in 2016, he has transformed Manchester City into a dominant force in English and European football, delivering multiple Premier League titles, domestic cups and the club’s long-awaited UEFA Champions League triumph.

His tenure also redefined the team’s identity, establishing a playing philosophy built on possession, control and positional dominance that reshaped English football standards.

Attention is now turning to Maresca, who is understood to be the leading candidate to take over at the Etihad Stadium.

The Italian coach is no stranger to the club’s structure. He previously worked within City’s academy system and later served as part of Guardiola’s backroom staff during their treble-winning campaign, giving him deep familiarity with the club’s tactical framework and internal culture.

Maresca’s managerial reputation has grown rapidly in recent years following impressive spells with clubs including Leicester City and Chelsea FC, where his structured attacking style and tactical discipline earned widespread recognition.

According to reports, City’s hierarchy views him as a natural successor capable of maintaining continuity while gradually evolving the team for a new cycle.

He is expected to sign an initial three-year contract, with the club confident that his understanding of Guardiola’s football philosophy will help ease the transition period.

Guardiola’s departure will inevitably mark the end of an era defined by sustained success and tactical innovation, but there is also a sense within the club that the foundations laid over the past decade provide a strong platform for the next phase.

For supporters, the prospect of change brings mixed emotions – gratitude for Guardiola’s achievements and curiosity about what Maresca’s leadership could bring.

City’s challenge now is clear: sustaining their dominance while transitioning from one of football’s most influential managers to a former disciple tasked with continuing his legacy.