News Focus
- Enzo Maresca states he is prepared to return to management after five months without a club
- The Italian is a leading candidate to replace Pep Guardiola at Manchester City
- Maresca previously worked as Guardiola’s assistant at the Etihad Stadium
- He left Chelsea in January following a dispute with the club’s board
- Napoli remains another possible destination if Antonio Conte exits
Former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has declared he is prepared to return to football. The Italian tactician believes he is ready for a fresh challenge.
Maresca, aged 46, guided the Blues to Club World Cup success last year. His side defeated Paris Saint-Germain in the final on American soil.
However, conflicts with the club’s board led to his departure on January 1st. He left Stamford Bridge after a short spell in charge.
Bookmakers now list him as a potential replacement for Pep Guardiola. The Spaniard could leave Manchester City at the season’s end.
Speaking to Sky Sport Italia, the coach expressed his hunger to return. He has spent the last five months away from the dugout.
“I feel ready for the next chapter. That is what matters most,” Maresca explained.
When questioned about the Manchester City links, he did not dismiss the speculation.
“The key thing is preparation, not the specific club,” he stated. “The season ends in a few weeks. We will see what unfolds.”
His connection to the Etihad Stadium runs deep. He served as Guardiola’s deputy during the 2022-23 season. He also coached in their academy system between 2020 and 2021.
His brief Serie A experience came with Parma in 2021. He then secured promotion with Leicester City in 2024. The Chelsea post followed immediately after.
Napoli represents another possible destination. This depends on whether Antonio Conte departs the Serie A champions.