Enzo Maresca might be making a surprising return to his old club.

Behind the scenes at the Etihad Stadium, discussions of potential changes are intensifying as Manchester City prepares for the possible departure of manager Josep Guardiola at the end of the season. Despite having a year remaining on his contract, the club acknowledges the growing likelihood that Guardiola, after a decade of successes, may step down.

Details: Jacob Steinberg reports that the frontrunner to replace Guardiola is his former assistant, Enzo Maresca. Negotiations between Manchester City and Maresca, who has been without a managerial position since his abrupt exit from Chelsea earlier this year, are reportedly moving forward positively.

Further reports indicate that City’s director of football, Hugo Viana, has begun devising a contingency plan to address Guardiola’s potential departure, with Maresca identified as the top priority for the role.

Maresca is noted for being well-versed in Guardiola’s football philosophy, having played a significant role during City’s treble-winning campaign in 2023. Guardiola has previously referred to Enzo as “one of the best coaches in the world.”

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