Manchester City FC appear close to beginning a new chapter following reports that Italian coach Enzo Maresca is set to replace Pep Guardiola as manager from next season.
According to multiple reports, Maresca has reached an agreement with the club over a three-year contract that would see him return to the Etihad Stadium for a third spell, this time as first-team manager.
Although Manchester City have yet to make an official announcement, reports indicate Guardiola has decided to end his tenure after a decade in charge. The Spaniard is expected to oversee his final match against Aston Villa FC on Sunday, marking his 593rd game with the club.
Guardiola’s period at City has been described as legendary, with the coach winning 20 trophies across 10 years, including the historic treble during the 2022-23 campaign.
Maresca Seen as Guardiola’s Preferred Successor
Reports suggest Maresca has long been viewed by Guardiola as the ideal candidate to continue the club’s footballing philosophy.
The Italian coach previously worked within City’s system, first with the development squad and later as part of Guardiola’s coaching staff during the treble-winning season.
Maresca most recently worked at Chelsea FC before leaving the London side in January. Reports state Chelsea may still be entitled to financial compensation because the coach departed before the end of his contract, which reportedly had more than three years remaining.
His familiarity with Manchester City’s structure and playing philosophy is viewed as one of the main reasons behind the club’s interest.
Tactical Identity Begins to Take Shape
Maresca is expected to maintain several elements of Guardiola’s footballing style while also introducing his own tactical ideas.
The Italian coach reportedly favours either a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 formation, with an emphasis on possession-based football and technical flexibility.
In goal, James Trafford is emerging as a strong candidate to become the club’s long-term first-choice goalkeeper despite reports linking City with Gianluigi Donnarumma from Paris Saint-Germain.
Trafford’s ability with the ball at his feet is considered particularly important to Maresca’s approach. The pair also previously worked together when City won the English Under-23 League title during the 2020-21 season.
Defensively, Uzbek centre-back Abdukodir Khusanov is expected to form a partnership with Marc Guehi, while Josko Gvardiol could continue at left-back because of his versatility.
Matheus Nunes may also continue in a hybrid right-back role, moving into central areas during attacking phases.
Rodri to Lead Midfield Project
Midfielder Rodri is expected to remain central to City’s plans after recovering full fitness.
Reports suggest he could even inherit the captaincy should Bernardo Silva leave the club.
Manchester City are also believed to be targeting reinforcements in midfield, with Elliot Anderson of Nottingham Forest FC among the leading candidates despite reports valuing him at more than £80m.
Adam Wharton from Crystal Palace FC has also been mentioned as a possible option.
Young midfielder Nico O’Reilly is expected to receive greater opportunities, while Phil Foden is reportedly being backed to rediscover his best form before reclaiming a central role.
Marmoush’s Future in Doubt
One of the major talking points surrounding the expected new era concerns Omar Marmoush.
The Egyptian forward has struggled for regular opportunities under Guardiola this season, leading to growing speculation that he could leave during the summer transfer window.
Reports have linked Marmoush with clubs including FC Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and Aston Villa.
Manchester City’s attack is still expected to revolve around Erling Haaland, while French winger Rayan Cherki could be given a more creative role on the right flank similar to the one Maresca previously designed for Cole Palmer at Chelsea.
Jeremy Doku is also expected to remain an important part of the attacking structure, helping increase the side’s offensive threat and ease pressure on Haaland.
Meanwhile, Antoine Semenyo is reportedly set to continue playing a key role on the wings after impressing since his arrival from AFC Bournemouth in a £64m deal.
Reports further suggest Manchester City may still move for another striker before the start of the new season as preparations continue for the post-Guardiola era.
