Enzo Maresca Linked with Man City Move: Chelsea’s Replacement Options

Enzo Maresca has emerged as a potential candidate to succeed Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, should the esteemed manager decide to step down after a decade filled with trophies.

Speculations Regarding Guardiola’s Future

Reports from The Athletic, specifically by journalist David Ornstein, suggest that there is a growing belief within Manchester City that Guardiola might retire this summer. The club is reportedly preparing a contingency plan for this scenario.

Typically, managers within the Premier League’s elite clubs do not switch allegiances, but if Maresca pursues this opportunity, Chelsea should consider several alternatives for his replacement.

5. Julian Nagelsmann

The former Bayern Munich coach was on Chelsea’s radar back in 2023 but turned down the opportunity in favor of Mauricio Pochettino. Given the tightening job market at prestigious clubs, Nagelsmann may reconsider, especially after his tenure with the national team concludes.

At just 38 years old, he has demonstrated his capacity to excel in high-pressure environments. However, Chelsea might need to wait until after the World Cup, which could disrupt their crucial pre-season preparations. Nonetheless, he remains a high-caliber manager who could align well with a young squad.

4. Andoni Iraola

Currently at Bournemouth, Iraola guided the team to its highest-ever finish (9th) last season and aims to maintain that momentum in the 2025-26 campaign. Despite recent struggles, where the team has gone winless in seven matches, this should not overshadow his achievements.

With his contract nearing its end, Iraola could become a hot commodity this summer, with clubs like Tottenham showing interest. Chelsea fans would undoubtedly be thrilled if their club managed to secure his services over Spurs.

3. Roberto De Zerbi

De Zerbi, another Italian contender, has been under speculation for the Chelsea role since the arrival of Todd Boehly and his associates, primarily due to connections with the club’s hierarchy from their time at Brighton.

At 46, he is not your typical Italian manager; he prioritizes an attacking style, featuring high defensive lines, organized pressing, rapid transitions, and dynamic positional play. If Chelsea intends to continue its offensive approach, De Zerbi could be an excellent fit, though enticing him away from France may prove challenging.

2. Liam Rosenior

Rosenior is gaining recognition as a potential future manager for Chelsea, particularly in light of Maresca’s links to Man City. As the current manager of Strasbourg, he operates under a structure similar to Chelsea’s and has a youth-focused approach.

Rosenior’s success at Strasbourg, leading them to the Europa Conference League last season and finishing atop their league phase in 2025-26, underscores his ability to develop young talent. His tactical adaptability aligns well with Chelsea’s playing style, coupled with his proven ability to work effectively with club ownership.

1. Cesc Fabregas

After demonstrating remarkable promise as a manager at Como, Fabregas, who once played for Chelsea and Arsenal, is now viewed as a rising coaching star. His experiences under iconic managers like Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte have significantly shaped his coaching philosophy.

Remarkably, Fabregas has expressed gratitude for his time at Chelsea, citing the club’s impact on his career. Losing a manager to a rival Premier League club would be disheartening for Chelsea fans, making it imperative that they consider someone like Fabregas, who not only has a potential future as a top coach but also has a strong bond with the club’s supporters.

In conclusion, while the possibility of Maresca moving to Manchester City poses a risk for Chelsea, several strong candidates stand ready to take the club forward. Timely and strategic decisions will be crucial as they navigate through this potential transition.