Chelsea stance has emerged as Man City step up interest in manager Enzo Maresca

"Enzo Maresca has emerged as a name of interest in Manchester City's long-term managerial planning, amid growing discussion around Pep Guardiola's future at the Etihad Stadium. According to David Ornstein, the Chelsea head coach is understood to be among the candidates City would consider should Guardiola decide to step away at the end of the season, although no formal process is currently underway. City sources have been keen to play down the speculation, pointing out that Guardiola remains under contract"

"Internally, there is no sense of urgency, but City's hierarchy are known to be meticulous in their forward planning, particularly when it comes to leadership succession. Man City are targeting Chelsea boss Maresca Maresca's inclusion on City's radar is hardly surprising. The Italian coach has strong ties to the club, having previously managed Manchester City's Elite Development Squad before serving as Guardiola's assistant during the 2022 season. That period provided"

"is under contract at Stamford Bridge until 2030, meaning any approach would need to be made formally through Chelsea and would almost certainly involve significant compensation. Blues have no intention of letting Maresca leave Enzo Maresca during the Chelsea vs Ajax game (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images) Club sources insist they view Maresca as central to their long-term project, with a pre-planned internal review of his performance scheduled for the summer, regardless of external speculation. Maresca has repeatedly spoken about his commitment to the pr"

Enzo Maresca is being considered as a potential successor in Manchester City's long-term managerial planning amid questions over Pep Guardiola's future. City would include Maresca among candidates if Guardiola stepped away, though no formal process is underway and Guardiola remains contracted beyond this summer. City sources stress there is no urgency, while the club's hierarchy conducts meticulous succession planning. Maresca previously managed Manchester City's Elite Development Squad and served as Guardiola's assistant in 2022, gaining familiarity with City's philosophy and culture. Chelsea view Maresca as central to their project and have him contracted until 2030, with a summer performance review planned.

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