The future of Pep Guardiola in Manchester City’s dugout remains uncertain and speculation has been rife on who replaces him next.
Former Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso, admired for his tactical ingenuity and possession-based play – similar to City’s structure – has been named as a potential alternative for Pep.
Cesc Fabregas, who has surged into the spotlight following his work with Como in Serie A, is also said to be on City’s watchlist.
Andoni Iraola has also been touted as a potential candidate because of his high-pressing style of play and significant progress in the Premier League with Bournemouth.
While the aforementioned remain firmly on City’s watchlist, close sources report former Leicester and Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca is ahead of the competition to succeed Pep Guardiola.
The Italian, who was relieved of his role at Chelsea earlier this season, has been without a club, but is reportedly open to returning to management at the end of the current campaign.
Speculations of him becoming the new Man City manager have been gaining currency lately as Pep Guardiola’s future remains steeped in uncertainty.
Reacting to those reports, Maresca seems to further strengthen speculations of his possible emergence as the new Man City manager by admitting he is ready to return at the end of the season.
“I’m feeling ready for the next chapter, that’s the most important thing. Man City job? What matters, apart from clubs, is to be ready”.
“There are still a few weeks before the season ends and then we will see what happens,” he said.
Can Enzo Maresca step into the shoes of Pep Guardiola as new manager?
With Maresca now emerging as a favoured candidate to replace, attention will be shifting to his chances of confidently stepping into the shoes of Guardiola.
In terms of style and tactics, Maresca could prove a natural successor for Pep Guardiola. He is known for his tactics-heavy and controlled play with emphasis on collective team performance.
His positional and possession-based style bears a strong resemblance to Pep Guardiola’s approach at Manchester City. And that isn’t a surprise as he worked under the Spaniard as assistant manager where he learnt the cuts and thrusts of the philosophy before beginning his managerial career.
Interestingly, both Leicester City and Chelsea were shaped by Maresca to adopt this style, with players positioned to play through and break the opposition’s press instead of relying on long balls.
At Leicester City, Maresca recorded an immense breakthrough, leading the club to the Championship title and promotion to the Premier League.
He won the UEFA Conference League and the maiden edition of the expanded FIFA Club World Cup with Chelsea, including the Premier League Manager of the Month Award twice.
Whether he will be able to recreate similar successes at City remains unknown, but his likely emergence as the club’s new manager will certainly mark a new era in the club’s history
