Pep Guardiola has already shared exactly what he thinks of Enzo Maresca amid rumours he could take over at Man City

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Pep Guardiola is calling time on his Manchester City career, and former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca seems to be the frontrunner to take the job.

The Italian left his role with Chelsea at the beginning of 2026 and has been without a club since. But an update on May 19 has claimed that Maresca has a deal in place with Man City to become their next manager.

The former Leicester City boss has limited experience at the very top of European football, but Guardiola has already called the 46-year-old ‘one of the best managers in the world’.

Pep Guardiola called Enzo Maresca one of the best managers in the world

After leading Leicester to promotion in 2023/24, Maresca was snapped up by Chelsea ahead of 2024/25.

He had a solid debut season at Stamford Bridge, which ended in Club World Cup and Europa Conference League success.

However, speaking back in December 2025, as quoted by the Metro, Guardiola said that the then-Chelsea coach did not get the credit he deserved.

The Spaniard stated: “Look what happened after Leeds. 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. And he rotated and look what happened?

“You are able to win games, games, games and after you lose, lose, lose. It only happens in this league, in this country. It can happen.”

Why Pep Guardiola can leave Manchester City before his contract expires

While yet to be confirmed by the club, it seems like Maresca will be the man to replace Pep this summer.

However, after so many fruitful years, it will be a sad day for City fans when the ex-FC Barcelona man departs.

It is understood that Guardiola does actually have a year left to run on his current contract with the Sky Blues.

But The Times have reported that the manager has a clause in his City deal which allows him to leave a year early.