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Enzo Maresca has been linked with replacing Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola<\/h2>\n <\/p>\n\n
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\nEnzo Maresca has been linked with the Manchester City job(Image: Gabriele Maltinti – FIGC, FIGC via Getty Images)<\/cite><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/button><\/p>\n
Former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca is the leading candidate to replace Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Guardiola is poised to leave at the end of the season after a remarkable decade at the helm of the Etihad Stadium.<\/p>\n
Maresca, who spent a year heading up City’s Elite Development Squad and previously served as one of Guardiola’s assistant coaches, has been without a club since departing Chelsea in January. During his spell at Stamford Bridge, the 46-year-old guided the side to both the Europa Conference League and the FIFA Club World Cup.<\/p>\n
The Italian has been touted as Guardiola’s successor for several months, though it would undoubtedly be an enormous challenge, given the extraordinary achievements of the outgoing City boss. Guardiola has secured six Premier League titles, along with a wealth of other major honours, including the FA Cup and League Cup this season.<\/p>\n
Should Maresca be handed the reins at City, the former Chelsea boss would face several significant decisions ahead of next season. Here, Mirror Football<\/strong><\/em> examines how Maresca could look to build upon the foundations laid by Guardiola.<\/p>\nFOLLOW OUR MAN CITY FB PAGE! Follow our Manchester City Mirror Football Facebook page<\/strong><\/p>\nDouble Chelsea transfer<\/h3>\n Maresca could turn to some of his former players to bolster his new City squad. Chelsea have confirmed the appointment of Xabi Alonso but may still offload key players should the club fail to secure European football.<\/p>\n\nOPINION<\/span><\/label><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n
John Cross<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\nREAD MORE: Furious Pep Guardiola summons Man City stars in late-night summit to confirm exit<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nFormer boss Liam Rosenior dropped Enzo Fernandez after the midfielder admitted to having doubts over his future. The Argentina international also opened up about how Maresca’s departure had affected the dressing room.<\/p>\n
A reunion at City would enable Maresca to strengthen a crucial area of the side as Bernardo Silva prepares to depart. The primary stumbling block would be negotiating a fee for the 25-year-old, who arrived at Chelsea in a British record \u00a3107million deal in January 2023 and has six years remaining on his contract.<\/p>\n
Another Chelsea star who could help Maresca assemble a formidable side is Levi Colwill. With John Stones also poised to leave City, the 23-year-old defender could prove the perfect like-for-like replacement.<\/p>\n
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\nChelsea’s Enzo Fernandez has previously spoken about his future at Stamford Bridge(Image: James Gill – Danehouse\/Getty Images)<\/cite><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/button><\/div>\n
The England international recently made his comeback from an ACL injury and may be considered a gamble but Maresca has already demonstrated his ability to get the best from the centre-back. The Chelsea defender also cherished their time working together, as he made clear on social media.<\/p>\n
“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.”<\/p>\n
Elliot Anderson deal<\/h3>\n Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson has been linked with a marquee switch to City throughout the season. The 23-year-old is expected to be at the heart of a transfer battle, with rivals Manchester United also showing interest in the England international.<\/p>\n
Maresca can lay down a marker by securing Anderson as the first major signing of his tenure. The former Newcastle United prospect could step into Bernardo Silva’s role or deputise for Rodri as a defensive midfielder.<\/p>\n
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\nElliot Anderson has been linked with Manchester City(Image: Nigel French\/Sportsphoto\/Allstar via Getty Images)<\/cite><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/button><\/div>\n
Forest securing Premier League survival means Anderson’s asking price is expected to be in the region of \u00a3100m. However, that could represent good value for money if Anderson becomes a long-term fixture in City’s midfield.<\/p>\n
The Phil Foden factor<\/h3>\n Phil Foden has struggled to scale the heights he reached during the 2023\/24 season. If City are to replicate the success the club enjoyed under Guardiola, having all squad members performing at their peak will be essential.<\/p>\n
The 25-year-old has retained the club’s backing after signing a new four-year contract earlier this month. It will fall to Maresca to help the talented midfielder recapture the form that saw him crowned Premier League Player of the Season two years ago.<\/p>\n
The 46-year-old manager will be confident of restoring Foden to his best following his work with Cole Palmer at Chelsea. The former City academy product flourished under Maresca and Foden could enjoy comparable success under his new boss.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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