Manager “Will Not Return To Chelsea” As Man City Are Touted As His Next Destination

Enzo Maresca “will not return” to the Chelsea dugout following the sacking of Liam Rosenior, with Man City seen as a more likely destination, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

The Italian left the Blues at the start of 2026 after falling out with the club’s hierarchy, and Romano says that Maresca is now the frontrunner to replace Pep Guardiola at the Etihad:

“I maintain my position – Enzo Maresca will not return to Chelsea. Impossible. Enzo Maresca is the candidate wanted by Manchester City to replace Pep Guardiola whenever Pep decides to go…This summer, next summer, we will see. But Manchester City internally believe that Maresca is the ideal candidate to take over in the future.”

“So I maintain this name. I know you see links with (Vincent) Kompany. I know you see links with more managers, Spanish managers, but my understanding is that the future could be Enso Maresca.”

“I say ‘could’ because there is nothing signed, nothing completed. But Maresca is a serious candidate, the leading candidate to become the next Manchester City manager whenever Pep decides to go.”

Will Guardiola leave Man City this summer?

As Romano points out, nothing is set in stone yet, but Director of Football Hugo Viana is doing his due diligence if the Catalan does decide to call it a day after a decade in the hot seat.

More than one meeting has been held with Maresca in recent months, and it appears he remains in City’s thoughts as a leading contender to replace Guardiola.

Why isn’t Kompany also in contention?

Many supporters would love to see the former club captain return as manager. Guardiola has even spoken about the possibility in recent days too.

However, Kompany is said to be committed to Bayern Munich, having recently led them to a second concecutive Bundesliga title.

The Belgian may return to the Etihad at some point in the future, but it is unlikely to happen this summer.

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