The news that Enzo Maresca is set to succeed Pep Guardiola at Manchester City has reframed one of the more bizarre episodes of the Premier League season. What once looked like a self-inflicted meltdown at Chelsea now appears, in hindsight, as the calculated exit of a manager who already had one eye on the Etihad throne.
Maresca’s departure from Stamford Bridge always carried an air of mystery. After Chelsea’s routine 2-0 victory over Everton on 13 December, the Italian stunned the media room by declaring that the previous 48 hours had been the worst since he joined the club. “Many people didn’t support us,” he said. “People didn’t support me and the team.” He refused to name names. Chelsea were left perplexed. Within weeks, the situation had spiralled. Following a 2-2 draw with Bournemouth on 30 December, Maresca informed his superiors he would not fulfil his post-match media duties. Sources close to the club described it as the moment he effectively handed in his resignation. By New Year’s Day, he was gone.
The timing and manner of his exit now make far more sense. Maresca had twice spoken to Manchester City while still under contract at Chelsea — a revelation that left a sour taste at Stamford Bridge. He departed without claiming his severance pay on a three-and-a-half-year deal, and sources close to the former Leicester manager acknowledge that Chelsea are entitled to significant compensation. Far from a messy sacking or irreconcilable breakdown over playing philosophy, the events of late December appear to have been the messy conclusion of a succession plan quietly put in place long before Guardiola’s impending departure became public.
The heir apparent hiding in plain sight
Maresca is no stranger to the City machine. He was part of Guardiola’s backroom staff during the historic 2023 treble-winning campaign. Nicknamed “Diet Pep” for his deep commitment to positional play, inverted full-backs, and chessboard-like control of the pitch, he has long been viewed internally as a natural successor. Those familiar with the situation suggest that City’s decision to appoint him was not a reactive move to Monday night’s announcement but the culmination of discussions that predated the public confirmation of Guardiola’s exit.
For Chelsea, the sense of betrayal is palpable. The club believes Maresca’s sudden departure derailed their season. Yet the 46-year-old can afford to brush off the criticism. He is stepping into one of the most prestigious — and thankless — jobs in world football, following in the footsteps of a serial winner in much the same way others once replaced Sir Alex Ferguson, Jürgen Klopp, or Arsène Wenger.
Tactician with questions to answer
There is little doubt about Maresca’s tactical acumen. At Leicester, he delivered the Championship title in 2024. At Chelsea, he secured Champions League qualification in his first season, lifted the Conference League trophy against Real Betis, and masterminded a memorable Club World Cup final victory over Paris Saint-Germain last summer. That win against PSG showcased his strength in crafting bespoke plans for big occasions, catching opponents off guard with tactical surprises — most notably instructing goalkeeper Robert Sánchez to launch long balls over Nuno Mendes.
However, his time in west London also exposed limitations. Supporters and observers frequently questioned the dogmatic nature of his football. There were grumbles about excessive backward passing, an over-reliance on control that sometimes faltered against low blocks, and public tension with fans when results dipped. Maresca once suggested he would substitute Enzo Fernández for playing backwards and even blamed supporters for panicking and going long in one match. Clashes with the medical department over player usage were also reported, alongside general dissatisfaction with the direction of the project.
Yet those familiar with him insist players responded well to his methods. He forged strong relationships with Chelsea’s Spanish contingent and maintained a bond with Jack Grealish from their time together at City.
A better fit at the Etihad?
At Manchester City, Maresca will inherit superior tools. Where he lacked a top-class striker at Chelsea, he will have Erling Haaland at his disposal. The squad’s overall quality should allow his positional principles to flourish without the same friction. City fans and observers will also note his willingness to adapt when required — as seen against PSG — which could prove vital as Guardiola’s side has itself shown more directness and improvisation this season.
The transition will not be easy. Replacing a manager of Guardiola’s stature is a daunting task. But Maresca knows the environment, the expectations, and the playing style intimately. For him, those difficult final weeks at Chelsea — the public criticism, the strained relations, and the abrupt exit — may now feel like a worthwhile price to pay for the opportunity of a lifetime.
Manchester City have their man. The succession plan was in motion long before the wider world knew. And in that light, Enzo Maresca’s “worst 48 hours” at Chelsea look less like a breakdown and more like the inevitable unravelling of a manager whose future had already been decided elsewhere.