Manchester City are hiring a ‘clone’ to replace Pep Guardiola, explains Jamie Vardy | OneFootball

Former Leicester City and England international striker Jamie Vardy has explained how Manchester City are appointing a ‘clone’ to replace Pep Guardiola this summer.

The impending arrival of Enzo Maresca at the Etihad Stadium marks the beginning of a fascinating new era for the current FA Cup and Carabao Cup holders after a decade of success under the club’s legendary Catalan.

Following Guardiola’s emotional announcement that he would step down at the end of the 2025/26 season, Manchester City executives moved swiftly to secure a tactical mirror image to preserve their footballing philosophy.

Maresca is already a familiar face within the club, having previously led City’s Elite Development Squad to a Premier League 2 title before serving as Pep Guardiola’s assistant during the historic 2022/23 Treble-winning campaign.

While negotiations regarding compensation details with Chelsea have delayed a formal unveiling, the Italian tactician is widely understood to have agreed to an initial three-year contract to steer the post-Guardiola era.

Jamie Vardy’s insider view on Enzo Maresca

Speaking on the newest edition of the Jamie Vardy’s Having A Party podcast, the former Leicester City striker spoke glowingly about the incoming Manchester City manager following their experience together at the King Power Stadium.

“Enzo’s agreed to be manager [of Manchester City]. He was the spit of Pep [Guardiola]. I’d say he’s very capable, honestly it was like having a clone,” said Vardy.

“He is literally exactly the same style of play, he never used to sleep! He used to come in, we’d have a meeting in the morning, and he’s like, ‘I didn’t go to bed until 5 o’clock this morning because I was scared I wouldn’t be able to show you this’,” he continued.

“And we’re like, ‘What time did you get to training’ and he was like ‘Half six’.”

Asked whether he could see Maresca ‘going right to the top’ of the game, Vardy admitted, “Yeah, 100 per cent! 100 per cent. And that’s just his mentality, that’s what he wanted.

“He used to tell us little things like he’d been wanting to be a coach since he was still playing, but the things that he was watching while he was still playing were from previous Barca, when they were like at their height in the olden days.

“He was already getting all this in his head for a coaching perspective… For the tactics and everything, and what he puts in, he’s at the top [of the list of managers he has worked under].”

A monumental challenge awaits Maresca

Stepping into the vacuum left by arguably the most influential manager in modern English football history represents an astronomical challenge for the 46-year-old Italian.

Though Maresca boasts a Championship title with Leicester City alongside a UEFA Conference League and Club World Cup double from his recent tenure at Stamford Bridge, replicating Guardiola’s standard is an entirely different weight class.

Pep Guardiola himself notably required a transition window upon arriving at Manchester City, enduring a silverware-free first year in 2016/17 before initiating his unprecedented run of domestic dominance.

Inheriting a highly-competitive squad fresh off a double-trophy season means Enzo Maresca will be granted the strategic foundation to compete instantly, but he will have to satisfy an expectant fanbase hungry for continued success.