Manchester City set to replace Guardiola with Maresca

Former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca is set to replace Pep Guardiola as Manchester City manager before next season.

According to the BBC, the Etihad bosses have identified Maresca as the leading contender to replace the legendary Spaniard for the 2026-27 season.

The Daily Mail reported that the Italian has agreed a three-year deal with the Manchester based outfit ahead of taking over the reins n July.

The Italian manager, who won the Club World Cup and Conference League while securing Champions League qualification during his only full season at Stamford Bridge, previously worked at City, under Guardiola during City's treble-winning 2022-23 campaign and played a key role in the club's academy prior to joining the first team.

The former West Brom and Juventus midfielder left City in 2023 to manage Leicester, whom he guided to promotion to the Premier League in his only season.

Guardiola said previously: "One of the best managers in the world, Enzo Maresca, I know him quite well but, the job he has done at Chelsea does not get enough credit.

"Winning the Club World Cup, Conference League, qualification for the Champions League in a league that is so tough with a young team. It is exceptional."

BBC Sports Online