Fakayejo Paul
The shadow of life after Pep Guardiola is looming over the Etihad Stadium, and all signs point to one man as the chosen successor: Enzo Maresca.
As of April 24, 2026, it is understood that Manchester City’s hierarchy views the current Leicester City manager as the “ideal candidate” to take the reins should Pep Guardiola decide to end his historic tenure.
While the timing remains entirely at Guardiola’s discretion, the strategic plan within the club is clear.
Why Maresca?
The admiration for the Italian coach within the Etihad is deep-rooted. Having served as a highly influential part of Guardiola’s coaching staff—most notably during the 2022/23 Treble-winning season—Maresca is seen as the perfect custodian of the “City philosophy.”
- Tactical Alignment: His work at Leicester City has demonstrated an ability to play the high-intensity, possession-based football that has defined City’s success under Guardiola.
- Internal DNA: The board values that Maresca understands the internal culture, the training standards, and the meticulous demands of the senior players. He wouldn’t need a period of “getting to know” the club; he would be hitting the ground running.
The Wider Interest
Manchester City aren’t the only ones who recognize Maresca’s tactical brilliance. There is currently significant interest from major Italian clubs looking to overhaul their own projects.
- No Premature Exit: As it stands, nothing has been signed or agreed upon. Maresca is currently focused on navigating his current club’s path forward, but the “City Plan” is no longer just a rumor; it is a well-documented contingency that is being monitored closely by directors at the Etihad.
The “Guardiola Clock”
The key to this entire narrative remains Pep Guardiola. With his current contract set to expire in the coming seasons, speculation about his future has become a constant backdrop to City’s campaigns. Sources close to the club indicate that the board is content to give Guardiola all the time he needs to make his decision, fully respecting his autonomy.
However, by identifying Maresca as their primary target, City is attempting to avoid the “vacuum of power” that often hits clubs when a legendary manager departs, ensuring that if and when the day comes, the transition is seamless.