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How do you begin to fill a role that feels irreplaceable?
With Pep Guardiola announcing his decision to step down as manager of Manchester City after an incredible decade, the gap he leaves behind appears monumental.
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In ten years, Guardiola has led the club to a staggering 20 trophies, reshaping records along the way. From achieving Centurions status to clinching a domestic quadruple, a Treble, and four consecutive Premier League titles, the benchmarks set are almost unattainable, making the upcoming transition a daunting task for his successor.
Enter Enzo Maresca. The Italian is poised to take the helm, having previously worked with City’s Elite Development squad in 2021, winning the Premier League 2 with them. He also served on Guardiola’s coaching staff during the illustrious Treble-winning season in 2023. After a successful stint at Leicester City, where he won the Championship, Maresca moved on to Chelsea, where he secured both the Conference League and Club World Cup before departing in December 2025.
Maresca’s appointment has Guardiola’s endorsement, showcasing his credentials from their time together in 2023. However, the challenge of leading the club solo presents a different set of circumstances. He carries forward a similar coaching philosophy, having already tasted success in his relatively short managerial career. Yet, some speculate that Maresca may only serve as a temporary solution until Vincent Kompany, former City captain and current head coach at Bayern Munich, is available.
While Maresca experienced a challenging period at Parma, the primary concern remains: following Guardiola is no small feat. Pep has gifted City fans a decade of unforgettable memories, setting a standard no one else may be able to meet.
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Nevertheless, the landscape is shifting, and if Maresca is chosen to succeed one of the sport’s greatest, he deserves the opportunity and support of the fans to prove his capabilities for the club. If he earned Pep’s trust, hopefully, he can gain the support needed to excel at City.
Emily Brobyn regularly contributes to BBC Radio Manchester – find all their Man City audio here