Avoiding the "Ferguson Trap": The familiar face set to lead Manchester City’s future revolution | OneFootball

Man City plan for life after Guardiola

Avoiding the "Ferguson Trap": The familiar face set to lead Manchester City’s future revolution

Manchester City started planning for the period after Pep Guardiola, with Enzo Maresca seen as a leading option.

City prepare for the future beyond Guardiola

Manchester City have begun long-term planning for the day Pep Guardiola eventually leaves the club.

The move is seen as precaution to protect stability and preserve the football identity built during Guardiola’s successful era.

While there is no official date for Guardiola’s departure from the Etihad Stadium, City’s board are unwilling to leave such a major transition to chance.

Instead they want smooth handover that avoids the problems faced by other European clubs after losing influential managers.

Enzo Maresca leads the shortlist

According to report from Spanish outlet Fichajes, Enzo Maresca is currently Man City’s top internal candidate to replace Guardiola when the time comes.

Maresca is highly rated inside the club due to his deep understanding of City’s system. He previously worked within the coaching structure at Man City and is very familiar with Guardiola’s methods, training style and tactical ideas.

Club officials believe this background makes him a strong choice to ensure continuity and avoid major changes that could affect performance.

Tactical fit and coaching profile

Maresca’s football philosophy is seen as natural extension of Guardiola’s approach.

He focuses on dominant possession, high pressing and building attacks from the back, key principles that define Manchester City’s style.

Beyond tactics, Maresca has also proven himself as first-team coach. He has shown an ability to manage squads with high expectations and work under pressure, qualities City consider essential for any future manager.

Guardiola may still stay until 2027

Despite the succession planning, there is growing belief inside the club that Guardiola could remain until the end of his contract in June 2027.

Reports suggest there is no immediate sign of an exit and Guardiola remains engaged with the club’s long-term sporting project.

City’s recent recruitment and youth integration have been shaped around Guardiola’s philosophy which would benefit from continuity if he stays longer.

Dual strategy to avoid instability

Manchester City currently operating with two parallel plans:

This strategy is designed to prevent leadership vacuum similar to what Manchester United experienced after Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement.