Managing Man City as Enzo Maresca raids Chelsea and completes statement transfer
Enzo Maresca has been tipped to replace Pep Guardiola at Manchester City
Enzo Maresca has been linked with succeeding Pep Guardiola at Manchester City(Image: Chris Lee – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
Former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca is the favourite to succeed Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Guardiola is set to call time on his reign at the end of the season after an unforgettable decade in charge at the Etihad Stadium.
Maresca, who spent a year in charge of City’s Elite Development Squad and was previously one of Guardiola’s assistant coaches, has been out of work since leaving Chelsea in January. During his time at Stamford Bridge, the 46-year-old won the Europa Conference League and the FIFA Club World Cup.
The Italian coach has been linked with replacing Guardiola for several months but it would remain a monumental task, given the success that the City boss has overseen. Guardiola has clinched six Premier League titles among a litany of other major honours, including the FA Cup and League Cup this term.
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Should Maresca be appointed by City, the ex-Chelsea manager would have several big decisions to make ahead of next season. Here, MEN Sport looks at how Maresca could ensure he continues to build on Guardiola’s legacy.
Chelsea transfer raid
Maresca could look to some of his former players to help strengthen his new City squad. Chelsea have confirmed the appointment of Xabi Alonso but may still sell key players if the club miss out on European football.
Ex-manager Liam Rosenior dropped Enzo Fernandez after the midfielder admitted to being unsure about his future. The Argentina international also spoke about how Marseca’s exit had impacted the squad.
A reunion at City would allow Maresca to bolster a key area of the team as Bernardo Silva prepares to leave the club. The major issue would be agreeing on a fee for the 25-year-old, who joined Chelsea in a British record £107million transfer in January 2023 and has six years left on his deal.
Another Chelsea star who could help Maresca build a formidable squad is Levi Colwill. With John Stones also set to leave City, the 23-year-old defender could be an ideal replacement.
The England international recently returned from an ACL injury and could be seen as a risk but Maresca has already proven he can get the best out of the centre-back. The Chelsea defender also appreciated their time working together, as he showed on social media.
“Not just a top manager but a top person,” Colwill wrote on Instagram. “Thank you for everything. It was a pleasure to work with you and create great memories.”
Elliot Anderson deal
Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson has been linked with a blockbuster move to City throughout the campaign. The 23-year-old is expected to be at the centre of a transfer saga, with rivals Manchester United also interested in the England international.
Maresca can make a statement by landing Anderson as the first marquee signing of his reign. The former Newcastle United prospect would be able to fill Bernardo Silva’s role or step in for Rodri as a defensive midfield option.
Forest achieving Premier League survival means Anderson’s valuation is set to be in the region of £100m. However, that could prove value for money if Anderson can be a long-term part of City’s midfield.
The Phil Foden factor
Phil Foden has struggled to reach the heights he achieved during the 2023/24 campaign. If City wish to replicate the dominance the club enjoyed under Guardiola, having all members of their squad on top form will be crucial.
The 25-year-old has retained the club’s faith after agreeing a new four-year deal earlier this month. It will be down to Maresca to help the gifted midfielder rediscover the levels that saw him named Premier League Player of the Season two years ago.
The 46-year-old coach will be confident of bringing Foden back to his best following his work with Cole Palmer at Chelsea. The ex-City academy starlet thrived under Maresca and Foden could enjoy similar success under his new boss.
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