Enzo Maresca has agreed terms to become Manchester City’s next manager, replacing Pep Guardiola at the end of the season, according to reports by GIVEMESPORT.
The agreement comes after widespread reports on Monday night claimed Guardiola would leave City this summer despite repeatedly insisting he still had one year remaining on his contract. Manchester City have not officially commented on the development.
Maresca, who left Chelsea at the start of January, had emerged as the leading contender for the role in recent weeks. The Italian previously worked under Guardiola as Manchester City assistant coach during the 2022/23 season before taking charge of Leicester City in his first senior managerial job.
City’s succession planning for Guardiola’s departure is understood to have been underway for several weeks, with Maresca now agreeing a deal to return to the Etihad Stadium next season.
Following his Chelsea exit, Maresca reportedly spent time in London and travelled to the Maldives with his family before considering his next move. He was linked with clubs across the Premier League, La Liga and Serie A, while Juventus and Manchester City were said to have contacted him before his departure from Stamford Bridge.
Reports say Maresca spent his break studying football trends and drawing inspiration from leading figures in other sports, including volleyball coach Julio Velasco. Manchester City’s long-term project and structure are also believed to have played a major role in his decision.
The 45-year-old is set to inherit a side still competing for more silverware in Guardiola’s final season. City have already secured the domestic cup double and remain outsiders in the Premier League title race.
Guardiola’s side sit 5 points behind leaders Arsenal after the Gunners’ 1-0 victory over Burnley on Monday night. City must win their remaining two league matches against Bournemouth and Aston Villa to keep alive their hopes of ending Guardiola’s reign with another historic title triumph.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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