Learning from Pep and World Cup glory at Chelsea: Would Enzo Maresca be the right man to replace Guardiola?

Enzo Maresca has emerged as the frontrunner to succeed Pep Guardiola as Manchester City manager if the Spanish boss walks away from the Etihad Stadium at the end of the season. The 46-year-old Italian is reportedly in advanced talks to take over from Guardiola, whose 10 years at City are set to come to an end following Sunday’s final game of the campaign against Aston Villa. Here, the Press Association looks at whether former Chelsea boss Maresca is the right fit for City and what are the challenges heading his way.

What is Maresca’s background? After a playing career as a midfielder that began at West Brom and stopped off in Italy, Spain and Greece, Maresca spent 18 months as one of Manuel Pellegrini’s assistant managers at West Ham until December 2019. He was appointed manager of Manchester City’s Elite Development Squad in August 2020, winning the Premier League 2 title before a short-lived spell in charge of Italian Serie B club Parma.

So he knows the City way then? Yes. Maresca returned as Guardiola’s assistant for the 2022-23 season.

It would prove to be a historic campaign as City won the treble of Champions League, Premier League and FA Cup. But Maresca did not hang around in Manchester and became manager of Championship club Leicester in June 2023. Maresca has previously worked under Guardiola (PA Wire) Does he have a good record as manager?