Italian coach Enzo Maresca has declared his readiness to return to the dugout, amid mounting reports linking him with the managerial role at Manchester City as a potential successor to Pep Guardiola, should the Spaniard decide to leave at the end of the current season.
Maresca, who led Chelsea to a historic FIFA Club World Cup triumph last year by defeating Paris Saint-Germain in the final, parted ways with the Blues on January 1 after a series of disagreements with the club’s hierarchy.
His coaching journey began in Serie A with Parma before he achieved remarkable success in England, guiding Leicester City back to the Premier League in the 2023-2024 season. That achievement opened the doors to Chelsea last summer, and now it appears the same path could lead him to Manchester City in the near future.
Speaking as a guest on Sky Sport Italia, the 46-year-old said he is eager to return to work after five months away from the sidelines. “I feel ready for the next chapter, and that’s the most important thing for me right now,” Maresca stated.
He is considered the top candidate to replace Guardiola due to his long association with Manchester City, having served as Guardiola’s assistant during the historic treble-winning season of 2022-2023 and previously as a coach in the club’s academy.
When directly asked about the rumors linking him to the Etihad, Maresca did not deny them but instead added fuel to the speculation. “What matters, regardless of the club’s name, is that you are ready. There are only a few weeks left until the end of the season, and then we’ll see what happens,” he said.
Maresca’s availability comes at a crucial time as Manchester City prepare for the final stretch of the Premier League campaign, with speculation continuing over Guardiola’s future. The Italian’s willingness to discuss a potential return has only intensified the debate around who will take the helm at the Etihad next season.