Man City collaborate with Enzo Maresca on next season plans ahead of official appointment

Manchester City are already working closely with Enzo Maresca on plans for next season ahead of his expected appointment as Pep Guardiola’s successor.

Maresca is poised to become City’s next manager following Guardiola’s decision to end his hugely successful 10-year spell at the Etihad Stadium.

The former Chelsea boss has been heavily linked with the role since leaving Stamford Bridge in January, and preparations for his arrival are already underway behind the scenes.

Maresca has started collaborating with sporting director Hugo Viana on transfer plans, pre-season scheduling and wider preparations for the new campaign.

City are eager to ensure a smooth transition after Guardiola’s departure following one of the most successful managerial eras in English football.

Guardiola has won 20 trophies during his time in Manchester, including six Premier League titles, multiple domestic cups and the club’s first Champions League crown as part of a historic treble in 2023.

However, City’s grip on the Premier League title has loosened over the last two seasons.

After finishing behind Liverpool and Arsenal last term, Guardiola’s side have now surrendered the title again this season to Arsenal.

Despite winning both the FA Cup and League Cup this campaign, the club’s hierarchy believes this summer represents the right moment to begin a new cycle.

Maresca is no stranger to City’s structure after previously coaching the club’s Under-21 side before later returning as one of Guardiola’s assistants.

The 46-year-old also arrives with growing credentials of his own after impressive spells with Leicester City and Chelsea.

He guided Leicester back to the Premier League by winning the Championship before later leading Chelsea to Champions League qualification.

He subsequently led Chelsea to success in the Europa Conference League and Club World Cup.

City are expected to back Maresca significantly in the transfer market as he prepares to shape the squad around his tactical ideas.

The Italian values intelligent and versatile footballers capable of adapting to multiple roles within a structured system.

That philosophy is already viewed internally as a natural fit for many members of City’s current squad.

Players such as Rodri, Josko Gvardiol, Jeremy Doku, Matheus Nunes and Antoine Semenyo all suit Maresca’s tactical demands.

However, there are also expected to be difficult decisions over several players as City reshape the squad for the post-Guardiola era.

Guardiola’s final game in charge will come against Aston Villa on the final weekend of the Premier League season before attention fully turns towards Maresca’s new era at the Etihad.