Enzo Maresca says he is ready for the next step in his managerial career, a comment that has reignited speculation about a move to Manchester City.
The 45-year-old Italian, who has been out of work since leaving Chelsea in January, was highlighted this week by journalist Fabrizio Romano as emphasizing that being ready matters more than the name of the club, and that his future will become clearer once the season ends in the coming weeks. Romano first revealed months ago that City view Maresca as an ideal candidate if Pep Guardiola leaves.
Manchester City have been monitoring Maresca for months as part of succession planning for Guardiola. Romano said in late April that City internally believe Maresca is the leading candidate to take over whenever Guardiola decides to go, even though the Spaniard remains under contract until 2027.
Maresca previously worked as Guardiola's assistant during City's treble-winning 2022-23 season, before leading Leicester City to promotion and then guiding Chelsea to the UEFA Conference League and FIFA Club World Cup titles in 2025.
Maresca's departure from Stamford Bridge came after 18 months in charge, with Chelsea fifth in the Premier League and on a run of one win in seven games. The club said at the time that a change gave them the best chance to secure Champions League qualification.