After Chelsea parted ways with Enzo Maresca, Fabrizio Romano revealed that Manchester City has identified the Italian coach as a top candidate if Pep Guardiola leaves the club.
On 1 Jan 2026 GMT+7, after Chelsea officially confirmed their split with Enzo Maresca following a one and a half year partnership, effective immediately, amid escalating tensions over the past 24–48 hours.
Fabrizio Romano, the well-known transfer market journalist, disclosed that the split was not primarily due to on-field performance but stemmed from structural and ideological conflicts between Maresca and Chelsea's senior management, which could not be reconciled long-term.
Meanwhile, Romano further reported that Manchester City has been closely monitoring the Italian coach's situation and has placed his name among the top candidates to manage the team in the future, should Pep Guardiola decide to part ways with the club.
Although Pep's contract with the “Sky Blues” runs until 2027 with no clear signs of extension, sources say Pep has not made any decisions about his future as he remains fully focused on this season's objectives.
On Maresca’s side, he continues to hold Pep in high regard; the two previously worked together when Maresca served as assistant coach at Manchester City before moving on to become head coach at Leicester City and later taking charge at Chelsea.
While changes are not expected soon, Manchester City has started planning ahead for the post-Pep era, and Enzo Maresca is currently one of the most trusted options the club is considering.