Revealed: Three Enzo Maresca qualities that convinced Manchester City of incoming Pep Guardiola successor | OneFootball

A new report has detailed what was it about Enzo Maresca that swayed the Manchester City board in the Italian’s direction to replace Pep Guardiola.

Maresca, 46, is set to be announced as the new Manchester City manager after Guardiola decided against seeing out the final year of his contract at the Etihad Stadium.

A formal announcement from the club confirming the managerial change could come anytime before Sunday’s Premier League finale against Aston Villa, when City will bid farewell to departing stars Bernardo Silva and John Stones, the pair of whom are leaving on free transfers in June.

City have already won a domestic cup double this season, beating Arsenal in the Carabao Cup final in March before seeing off Chelsea in the FA Cup final last week.

While it may not be the most successful campaign under Guardiola, the Catalan’s impact at the Etihad Stadium over an illustrious decade will result in a significant transition period upon departure.

Enzo Maresca agrees in principle to become Manchester City manager

According to TEAMtalk, the broad principles of an agreement are now in place between Manchester City and Maresca, who will sign an initial three-year contract at the Etihad Stadium.

Maresca is effectively lined up to take charge at the Etihad Stadium if Guardiola decides to step aside at the end of this season, despite stating as recently as his post-Bournemouth press conference that he will speak to City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak over his future.

TEAMtalk further states that City view Maresca’s tactical philosophy, possession-based principles and familiarity with the club’s internal structure as three key qualities to succeed Guardiola.

Sporting director Hugo Viana is also said to have played a central role in the process. With the club keen on ensuring a smooth transition, Guardiola’s former pupil might be the best fit for City.

City preparing for an announcement

While there has been no formal announcement regarding Guardiola’s future, sources close to the club cited in the report strongly suggest that a managerial switch is in the offing at the Etihad Stadium.

An effective agreement with Maresca only adds to the noise. Guardiola, on the other hand, has been evading questions regarding his future.

Regardless, with the current campaign approaching an end, we should see an announcement soon if the Catalan gaffer is actually set to leave.

The club’s succession planning suggests the same but whether he stays for another season is yet to be seen.