Man City choose between Maresca and Kompany with Guardiola expected to leave | OneFootball

Manchester City have identified Enzo Maresca as their leading candidate to succeed Pep Guardiola, with TEAMtalk understanding sporting director Hugo Viana has already put plans in place should a managerial change be required this summer.

Guardiola has just one year remaining on his current deal at the Etihad, and while no final decision has been made on his future, there is a growing expectation within the club that he could step away at the end of the season.

Man City have not been caught off guard by that possibility.

Sources indicate that Viana has been proactively working behind the scenes for some time, assessing potential successors and narrowing down a shortlist.

We can confirm that both Maresca and Bayern Munich boss Vincent Kompany emerged as the standout candidates during that process.

However, it is Maresca who is now viewed as the preferred option if Guardiola departs.

Man City want Enzo Maresca to succeed Pep Guardiola

The Italian coach, who previously worked within City’s setup, is highly regarded for his tactical approach and understanding of the club’s footballing philosophy.

Crucially, his camp have indicated that he would be free to take the role, with no contractual complications remaining from his time at Chelsea.

TEAMtalk insider Graeme Bailey has provided further insight into the situation.

“This is not going away, and City are taking this very seriously – this is not just an Excel spreadsheet being updated, it is more than that. There is belief within the club that Pep could very well be leaving,” Bailey revealed.

“They know who they want, and that is Maresca. He and Kompany were by far the top options, but I’m told Kompany is very happy at Bayern Munich and this summer is unlikely to be the right time.

“That said, the feeling is that Kompany will return to the Etihad one day – it is seen as a matter of when, not if.

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“Maresca, for his part, his people are confirming that he is free to take the job. There are no lingering ties to Chelsea, despite what some may have thought.

“Hugo Viana has been outstanding since arriving at the club. He has already made a big impact in shaping their recruitment strategy, but identifying Pep’s successor is his biggest challenge – and one he is taking very seriously.”

While Guardiola’s final decision is still awaited, City’s succession planning is well underway, with Maresca now firmly positioned as the man most likely to take over should the most successful era in the club’s history come to an end this summer.