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Manchester City are in active discussions to appoint Enzo Maresca as their next manager following the departure of Pep Guardiola. Although the final deal is yet to be sealed, the club is already undergoing major backroom changes, with Pep Lijnders and Kolo Toure confirmed to be leaving the Etihad Stadium this summer. The moves mark the beginning of a new chapter for City after an inconsistent season.

Manchester City continue talks with Maresca

According to reports by Sky Sports, Manchester City have intensified negotiations with Enzo Maresca this week as they look to finalise his appointment. The Italian coach is familiar with the club, having previously served as assistant manager during the 2022-23 campaign. He later took charge of Leicester City, overseeing 53 matches and achieving an impressive record of 36 victories, four draws, and 13 defeats before making the switch to Chelsea.

Maresca’s time in London ended on a sour note in January after managing 92 matches, recording 55 wins, 16 draws, and 21 losses. Although the finer points of his contract are still being worked out, an agreement is expected soon, with a significant compensation package required to complete the move.

Paul Merson supports the move

Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson has voiced strong support for Maresca’s potential appointment. He commented, “I liked him at Chelsea. I thought he was a good manager. He’s going into Man City, he’s been there before, he’s worked in the Premier League before. He knows some of the players at City. I think he ticks every box. He’s not coming in to get used to the place or the league. I think he’ll settle in quite well. They’ll need a few players too, but that’s the challenge — Liverpool, Arsenal, Man City, Man United, Chelsea all need players. There aren’t too many around, so it’s about who can attract and pay for the best.”

Five backroom staff members depart

On Tuesday, Manchester City formally announced the exit of five senior backroom staff members after the season’s conclusion. Pep Lijnders and Kolo Toure, both of whom worked with the first-team squad, will leave the Etihad Stadium. They will be joined by fitness coach Lorenzo Buenaventura, team operations figure Manel Estiarte, and head goalkeeping coach Xabi Mancisidor.

This reshuffle comes after a tough campaign in which Guardiola left the club following the loss of the Premier League title to Arsenal. City also exited the Champions League early, ultimately finishing the season with just the League Cup and FA Cup trophies.

What lies ahead for Manchester City?

Guardiola is set to take a much-needed break from football to relax and spend time with his family. Meanwhile, Manchester City must conclude legal discussions with Chelsea to officially appoint Maresca as their new manager. Once the deal is completed, Maresca will immediately start reorganising his coaching team and planning for the upcoming Premier League season.