Chelsea identify ‘dream’ candidate who ‘tops the wishlist’ to replace Maresca
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca is being considered by Man City as Pep Guardiola’s potential heir next year, with the Blues making contingency plans.
Enzo Maresca tipped to replace Pep Guardiola at Man City
BlueCo are now bracing themselves for potential interest from City in Maresca, with the Italian emerging as a prime candidate to succeed Guardiola at the Etihad Stadium.
The 44-year-old’s impressive stint at Stamford Bridge has not gone unnoticed by his former employers, where he served as Guardiola’s assistant during City’s historic treble-winning campaign in 22/23.
Media sources suggest the Premier League title contenders view Maresca as ideally positioned to maintain their footballing identity when Guardiola eventually departs.
City’s interest carries particular weight given Guardiola’s contract expires in 2026, meaning that an approach could materialise very soon.
Chelsea would demand enormous compensation for Maresca’s services, though City’s financial muscle makes any negotiation feasible if they prioritise his appointment.
Maresca guided the west Londoners to two major trophies last season — the Conference League and Club World Cup — whilst steering Chelsea to Champions League qualification on the final day of 2024/2025.
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Some reports suggest that Maresca doesn’t see eye-to-eye with some members of the Chelsea hierarchy and there’s been tension behind-the-scenes at times, but the tactician himself is adamant that his head isn’t being turned.
While Maresca publicly denies any interest in a return to Eastlands, things can change very quickly in football, and we’ve seen high-profile figures go back on their word before.
Taking this into account, as any elite club does, Chelsea have contingency plans in mind for when/if Maresca departs Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea identify Zinedine Zidane as 'dream' Enzo Maresca replacement
According to CaughtOffside, alongside the usual suspects like Strasbourg’s Liam Rosenior and Frank Lampard, former Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane is seen as a top target.
They report that Zidane is their ‘perennial dream’ candidate for the hot seat, and he ‘tops Chelsea’s wishlist’ almost every time a managerial conversation is held.
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The 53-year-old footballing icon is best known for his very productive stint at the Bernabeu, where he led Real to 11 major trophies — including three consecutive Champions League titles, two La Ligas, two UEFA Super Cups and two Copa del Reys.
Zidane has been a managerial free agent since leaving Real in 2021, despite interest from a host of top sides since then, including links to Man United.
His style of play would excite Chelsea supporters too, according to former Los Blancos defender Raphael Varane.
Provided Zidane doesn’t take up another job in the meantime, he could be a fine candidate to succeed Maresca in the event he does leave.
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