While Pep Guardiola played a significant role in kickstarting Enzo Maresca’s coaching journey, the Spaniard’s impact on the former Chelsea head coach’s inspiration began much earlier, before Maresca ventured into management: “It was during my time playing against Barcelona” that I realized I wanted to be a coach.
Recent reports suggest that Maresca is poised to take over from Guardiola as the head coach of Manchester City following the conclusion of the 2026-27 season.
Guardiola is anticipated to depart from the Etihad Stadium after a decade at the helm, during which he managed to secure an impressive tally of six Premier League titles, three FA Cups, five EFL Cups, three Community Shields, the 2022-23 Champions League, the 2023 Super Cup, and the 2023 FIFA Club World Cup.
LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 27: Pep Guardiola, Manager of Manchester City, acknowledges the fans after his team’s victory at Wembley Stadium during the Emirates FA Cup Semi Final match against Nottingham Forest on April 27, 2025. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
Maresca has a history with Manchester City, having first served as the head of their Elite Development Squad from 2020 to 2021 before moving to Serie B with Parma. He returned to City in 2022 as an assistant coach under Guardiola, contributing to their historic treble that season.
Now, Maresca is about to embark on his third stint at Manchester City, stepping in to succeed the coach who inspired him to pursue management.
Maresca on Guardiola’s Influence
In a recent interview at the Festival dello Sport in Trento in October, Maresca reflected on Guardiola’s profound impact on his coaching career.
“I’ve been fortunate to have many incredible coaches, from Ancelotti to Lippi, but Guardiola’s style of football has always captivated me,” Maresca remarked. “It was my experience playing against that Barcelona team with Sevilla that made me realize I wanted to pursue coaching.”
WROCLAW, POLAND – MAY 28: Enzo Maresca, Manager of Chelsea, celebrates with fans beside the UEFA Conference League trophy following his team’s victory against Real Betis Balompie at Stadion Wroclaw on May 28, 2025. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)
Maresca also has experience working under Manuel Pellegrini, another successful manager at Manchester City.
“I was fortunate enough to score two goals in the Europa League final and learned a great deal from Pellegrini. Additionally, I met my wife in Spain, who is now the mother of my four children. Coaching is a rewarding job, but being a parent is far more challenging as you never know if you’re making the right choice,” he shared.
Despite his respect for other managers, Maresca holds Guardiola in the highest regard.
“Having the chance to work closely with Pep was extraordinary. Observing his attention to detail and team management was crucial for my development as a coach,” he stated.
epa10675973 Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola (L) converses with assistant manager Enzo Maresca during a training session for the UEFA Champions League at the City Football Academy in Manchester on June 6, 2023. City is set to face Inter Milan in the UEFA Champions League final on June 10, 2023. EPA-EFE/ADAM VAUGHAN
Maresca humorously shared his thoughts on the coach-player relationship: “When I was a player, my mother believed the players were always right, and the coaches never were. Now, she thinks the coaches are always right. Interestingly, my wife used to side with the coaches but now she agrees with the players.”