Uncertainty continues to hover over the future of Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola after a difficult run of results, and fresh insight from transfer expert Fabrizio Romano suggests the club may already have a clear plan in place.
City’s recent exit from the UEFA Champions League at the hands of Real Madrid has intensified debate around the long-term direction of the team.
A heavy 5-1 aggregate defeat, combined with a growing points deficit behind Arsenal in the Premier League, has led many to question whether the current campaign signals the closing chapter of Guardiola’s remarkable tenure.
Since arriving in 2016, Guardiola has transformed City into one of Europe’s dominant forces, delivering multiple league titles and a historic treble.
However, following a previous season that ended without major silverware and a current campaign that has not met expectations, speculation has naturally gathered pace.
Behind the scenes, City’s leadership structure—now guided by sporting director Hugo Viana—is believed to be carefully preparing for any eventual transition. The priority remains clear: maintain continuity in philosophy, identity, and tactical approach.
The club has long prided itself on a clearly defined footballing blueprint, one that has been refined over nearly a decade under Guardiola’s influence.
A familiar face emerges as leading candidate
Romano has indicated that City’s contingency planning includes a name well known within the Etihad Stadium.
According to the Italian journalist, the club’s preferred successor is someone deeply familiar with Guardiola’s methods and the internal workings of the team.
“Eventually, if Pep decides to leave Manchester City from now to the end of the season, the name already identified by Manchester City to become their next manager at some point remains, according to my information, Enzo Maresca,” Romano revealed.
That name, Enzo Maresca, carries significant weight within the club’s recent history. The Italian coach previously worked closely alongside Guardiola as part of the first-team coaching staff and also took charge of the club’s Elite Development Squad.
During his time with the youth setup, Maresca guided the side to a Premier League 2 title, further strengthening his reputation as a coach aligned with City’s footballing philosophy.
Romano added further context to the situation, stating: “Those close to Maresca are aware of the situation and interest from Manchester City.
“But again, Man City are just kind of preparing for when it’s going to be time to say goodbye to Pep Guardiola. But it’s Pep deciding, and at the moment Pep has not made any official decision.”
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Maresca’s more recent experience, including a managerial role at Chelsea, has only added to his credentials. His tactical approach, heavily influenced by Guardiola’s positional play system, is seen as a natural extension of the style City supporters have become accustomed to over the years.
Continuity key to City’s long-term vision
Should Guardiola decide to step away, City appear determined to avoid a disruptive overhaul. Instead, the focus is on evolution rather than revolution—ensuring that the team’s identity remains intact while allowing for gradual adaptation under new leadership.
This approach mirrors the transition that took place when Guardiola succeeded Manuel Pellegrini. At that time, the club carefully selected a manager capable of elevating an already strong foundation without abandoning its core principles.
Maresca’s profile fits that requirement closely. Having been part of the coaching group during City’s treble-winning 2022/23 campaign, he understands both the demands of elite competition and the expectations placed on the club domestically and in Europe.
His familiarity with the squad structure, training methods, and tactical framework would likely allow for a smoother adjustment period compared to an external appointment.
