CaughtOffside revealed that Manchester City has quietly begun preparing for a possible phase after Spanish coach Pep Guardiola, amid growing conviction within football circles that this season might be his last with the team.

According to the report, Enzo Maresca, the head coach of Chelsea, is among the most prominent names discussed within the club, as he is highly regarded by City's officials, with alternative plans underway in anticipation of any sudden decision by Guardiola to leave at the end of the season.

The site pointed out that Manchester City's management does not want to be caught unprepared, despite no official decision having been made yet, with expectations that the situation will become clearer as the season draws to a close.

City's interest in Maresca comes amid the rapid development of his coaching career, after drawing attention by leading Leicester City to the Championship title, then successfully restoring stability to Chelsea in a short period, leading them to important titles, most notably the Europa Conference League and the Club World Cup.

Manchester City's interest also relies on Maresca's deep knowledge of the club's culture, having previously coached the under-23 team in 2020, then working within Guardiola's technical staff with the first team in 2022, making him a logical choice aligned with the club's identity and technical approach.

The report indicated that whether Maresca remains at Chelsea or moves to take over Guardiola's role remains undecided, but the opportunity to lead Manchester City and continuously compete for major titles could represent an enticing challenge for the Italian coach.