Chelsea have lost an “incredible, incredible manager” warns Pep Guardiola on Enzo Maresca exit | OneFootball

Pep Guardiola has insisted that Chelsea have decided to part ways with an “incredible, incredible manager” off the back of their decision to dismiss Enzo Maresca.

The decision at Stamford Bridge has dominated headlines in the build-up to City’s meeting with Chelsea, with Maresca’s departure coming less than two seasons after he left Guardiola’s coaching staff to take on a senior role in west London.

Enzo Maresca was a key part of Manchester City’s historic Treble-winning campaign in 2022/23, earning widespread internal praise for his tactical work and leadership culminating in European success for the first time in the club’s modern era.

Pep Guardiola himself has been forced into repeated discussion over the situation in recent days, particularly amid speculation linking Maresca’s dismissal to reported contact with Manchester City.

Those suggestions followed Pep Guardiola’s own candid remarks about his future at the Etihad Stadium, where he reiterated both his happiness and the strong backing he receives from the club hierarchy.

All of this comes at a moment where Manchester City are balancing external noise with on-pitch demands, and a 0-0 draw away at Sunderland last time out left Guardiola praising his side’s second-half performance rather than lamenting the result.

But speaking to reporters ahead of Manchester City’s clash with Chelsea at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday afternoon, Guardiola was quizzed for his thoughts on Stamford Bridge officials’ decision to remove Maresca from his role as the club’s head coach.

“Only I can say that Chelsea, I think from my point of view, lost an incredible, incredible manager, an incredible person, but it’s a decision from the hierarchy from Chelsea, so nothing to say,” Guardiola admitted.

“In football? Surprise? It only confirms how lucky I am – I was and I am – in the club where I am. My club is extraordinary,” the 54-year-old responded when asked whether Maresca’s exit came as a surprise to him.

And given the pair’s long-standing relationship and their history at Manchester City during the historic 2022/23 Treble-winning campaign, Pep Guardiola also confirmed an intention to reach out to Enzo Maresca in the coming days personally.

Pep Guardiola’s words further reinforce the esteem in which Enzo Maresca is held inside the Manchester City setup, and they are likely to add fuel to ongoing speculation about the Italian’s next move.

As previously outlined, Manchester City officials have remained relaxed about succession planning, but Enzo Maresca’s standing within the club remains notable.

For now, Pep Guardiola’s immediate focus turns to Sunday’s showdown with Chelsea, where his side will look to convert recent strong performances into results. Beyond that, Maresca’s exit may yet have wider implications across the Premier League, particularly if another top club moves quickly to secure a coach Guardiola clearly rates among the elite.