“All I can say” – Pep Guardiola shares honest thoughts on Enzo Maresca departure | OneFootball

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has commented on Enzo Maresca leaving Chelsea and believes the Blues have lost an “incredible” manager.

Maresca and Chelsea parted ways on Thursday, just 18 months into a five year deal, and six after winning the Conference League and Club World Cup.

Attention now turns to appointing a new manager, with Strasbourg’s Liam Rosenior reportedly the leading candidate.

Pep Guardiola on Enzo Maresca departure

Chelsea head to Manchester City on Sunday in their first game of 2026, with under-21s head coach Calum McFarlane tasked with leading the team.

The Blues are seriously up against it with Moises Caicedo suspended, and they now don’t have a manager in place.

Maresca and Chelsea parted ways on Thursday. (Photo by Eddie Keogh/Getty Images)

Sunday would have seen Maresca come up against Guardiola again, and the pair know each other very well from Maresca’s time being the Spaniard’s assistant at City.

Guardiola was asked about Maresca’s departure in his pre-match press conference, and believes Chelsea have lost an “incredible” manager.

“All I can say is that from my point of view Chelsea have lost an incredible manager and person,” he said as quoted by BBC Sport.

“It’s a decision from the Chelsea hierarchy so I’ve nothing to say. How lucky I am in the club where I am. My club is extraordinary.”

Marc Cucurella could be available for Man City

Chelsea face an uphill task on Sunday, but could be boosted by the much needed return of left back Marc Cucurella.

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Cucurella missed the 2-2 draw with Bournemouth on Tuesday night, and with Jorrel Hato also injured Chelsea had to field Malo Gusto at left back.

Chelsea currently sit fifth in the league, and are on a run of one win in their last seven league games, and can’t really afford to lose more ground in the race for Champions League football.