The chosen one. Unless there is a change in the situation, Enzo Maresca will succeed Pep Guardiola on the Manchester City bench. After years with the Cityzens, the Catalan decided it was time to hand over the reins. He has not yet publicly announced his decision, but the British press took care of leaking the information last night. Which also angered Guardiola, who wanted to control his communication and timing. He was beaten. Which made him furious. We imagine that the residents of the Etihad Stadium, who will face Bournemouth this evening in the Premier League, also wanted to remain discreet. It was also a failure regarding the new coach since the media confirmed that Maresca would indeed be the coach of the Skyblues in 2026-27.
This morning, we learned that the Italian technician will sign a 3-year contract. Free since his departure from Chelsea four months ago, he had been announced in Manchester for a while. It will be quite a challenge for Enzo Maresca. But the 46-year-old is ready to take it on. He knows the Premier League well, having officiated solo with the Blues. Before that, he was at Manchester City, where he was U23 coach before becoming Guardiola’s assistant. Having played on the benches of Parma and Leicester, the native of Pontecagnano Faiano therefore has the advantage of knowing the Mancunian house perfectly. The Athletic explains that the coach went to the Guardiola school and that he even looks like him physically. But it’s not a clone.
A style and personality that gets people talking
“There is only one Guardiola, and although City chose Maresca partly because of his stylistic similarities, the Italian is a different manager and personality who will look to make his mark on English football’s dominant club by attempting to follow in legendary footsteps (…) There will be no major culture shocks, no unpleasant surprises as to the scale of the ambition or the scale of the challenge that comes with it. Maresca is not only deeply familiar with working in an elite environment, he is also well-versed in working in this particular elite environment. No other top manager, with the possible exception of Mikel Arteta, knows better the particularities of the modern City, the house that Guardiola built. Although he is described as meticulous, Maresca is not unanimous.
The Athletic said of him: “Despite qualifying for the Champions League and two trophies, Maresca never really resonated with Chelsea fans. This is partly because his style of possession- and position-oriented football – which seems culturally ingrained at City – was generally unpopular at Stamford Bridge. It was also partly because he hardly exuded external charm (…) Maresca is a serious guy. He has Guardiola’s intensity but not his quirky wit or passive-aggressive sarcasm. Well, at least not during press conferences or media interviews, which are the most common means by which coaches communicate with fans and journalists alike (…) No top coach reacts well to external criticism or internal resistance, but during his brief spells at Leicester and Chelsea, Maresca developed a reputation for being, in the eyes of some, particularly volatile and sensitive.
A choice that is not unanimous
The British media adds that his upcoming arrival does not excite fans. If Maresca is popular with Chelsea players and the City board, who remember his work, Skyblues fans are not crazy about this choice. The options Xabi Alonso, Luis Enrique and especially Vincent Kompany were more attractive according to them. Concerning the Belgian, a supporter told Sky Sports. “They should bring back Vincent Kompany. With the added experience gained from coaching a big club like Bayern, he is the perfect fit for Man City.” Another added: “I don’t think Maresca could bear to replace Pep. I think it’s too big a position and too soon for him.”. Others vote for Luis Enrique.
“Maresca is a bad choice to replace Pep. I think with PSG guaranteed to beat Arsenal, Luis Enrique should be the man we want and need. Kompany is an excellent option but she will probably come later. Manchester United fans are rejoicing. “I will be happy if City get Maresca. An average manager and he won’t have the appeal to attract players like Pep. Another said: “If Pep leaves, the club will have to think carefully about it. When Sir Alex left Man Utd, they were never the same after that.” The Italian must convince. Especially since on Sky Sports, fans voted on his arrival. 58% believe he is a bad choice, compared to 42% who think he is the ideal replacement for Guardiola. Some, fewer in number, think he has everything to take over. “The young people at Chelsea had no respect, at City I think Maresca will flourish”blurted a fan. In Guardiola’s shadow, Maresca will now take the light, he who is already expected around the corner.
