has emerged because the frontrunner to succeed as supervisor if the Spanish boss walks away from the on the finish of the season.
The 46-year-old Italian is reportedly in superior talks to take over from Guardiola, whose 10 years at Metropolis are set to come back to an finish following Sunday’s remaining recreation of the marketing campaign in opposition to .
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Right here, the Press Affiliation appears at whether or not former boss Maresca is the appropriate match for Metropolis and what are the challenges heading his approach.
What’s Maresca’s background?
After a enjoying profession as a midfielder that started at West Brom and stopped off in , and Greece, Maresca spent 18 months as one among Manuel Pellegrini’s assistant managers at till December 2019.
He was appointed supervisor of Manchester Metropolis’s Elite Growth Squad in August 2020, profitable the 2 title earlier than a short-lived spell in control of Italian Serie B membership .
So he is aware of the Metropolis approach then?
Sure. Maresca returned as Guardiola’s assistant for the 2022-23 season.
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It might show to be a historic marketing campaign as Metropolis gained the treble of Champions League, Premier League and FA Cup.
However Maresca didn’t grasp round in Manchester and have become supervisor of Championship membership Leicester in June 2023.
Maresca has beforehand labored beneath Guardiola (PA Wire)
Does he have a superb report as supervisor?
Maresca led Leicester Metropolis to the Championship title in 2024, overcoming a mid-season wobble to carry off Ipswich by one level.
A month later, he was on his method to Chelsea after signing a five-year deal as head coach with an choice to increase for an additional yr.
Chelsea’s quick begin beneath Maresca noticed them labelled title contenders, however a younger Blues facet ultimately fell away to complete fourth.
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Silverware got here within the Convention League and final summer time’s expanded FIFA Membership World Cup, with the long run wanting vivid at Stamford Bridge.
Maresca gained the Convention League with Chelsea (PA Wire)
What went improper at Chelsea?
Maresca’s 18 months in cost got here to an finish on New 12 months’s Day 2026 with the membership fifth within the Premier League desk – 15 factors adrift of leaders – and after one win in seven top-flight video games.
Hypothesis about Maresca’s future had intensified amid experiences he endured a strained relationship with key membership figures.
It was reported that Maresca had knowledgeable Chelsea he had been involved on a number of events with Metropolis about taking on from Guardiola, regardless of having three-and-a-half years of his contract to run.
Maresca left Chelsea at the beginning of the yr (PA Wire)
What does Metropolis in-tray seem like?
Guardiola is leaving a squad anticipated to problem for main honours subsequent season.
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Heavy funding during the last two home windows has seen , , , Ait-Nouri, Ryan Cherki and all signed.
’s midfielder is one potential goal with membership greats and leaving and rumours linking midfield lynchpin to .
However Maresca’s largest process might merely be following Guardiola – a person who gained 20 trophies in 10 years at Metropolis.