Chelsea Manager Emerges as Surprise Contender for Premier League Role

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca is a top candidate on Manchester City’s list to succeed Pep Guardiola if he departs next summer.

Guardiola is under contract with City until June 2027, after extending his deal in November 2024. However, there are reports suggesting he might leave at the end of this season.

The 54-year-old has indicated that he may take a break from coaching or even retire once his time with City concludes.

According to The Athletic, City is preparing for the possibility of Guardiola leaving and is compiling a list of potential replacements.

The report states that Maresca is one of the main candidates being considered for the position if Guardiola exits.

Maresca worked as one of Guardiola’s assistants during the 2022/23 season and was earlier in charge of the Elite Development Squad at the club before a brief term as Parma’s manager.

He left Manchester City in 2023 to coach Leicester City, leading them to promotion by winning the Championship. He then took on the role at Chelsea, where he achieved success in the UEFA Conference League and FIFA Club World Cup.

At 45 years old, Maresca has three and a half years left on his current contract, with an option for an additional year. However, concerns have been raised about his future at Chelsea after he expressed frustration over the “worst 48 hours” of his tenure last week.

“Since I joined the club, the last 48 hours have been the worst because many people didn’t support us,” he shared after Chelsea’s 2-0 victory against Everton at home last Saturday.

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