Blue Army prefers not the Blue Moon! If Guardiola departs this summer, Manchester City sees Maresca as successor.

Last season Manchester City ended up empty-handed in all major competitions, whereas Chelsea secured victories in the Europa Conference League and Club World Cup. This season Chelsea bafflingly fired their title-winning manager Maresca and brought in inexperienced coach Rosener. The outcome? Chelsea finds it hard to fight for a top-five spot in the Premier League this term, and their Champions League run halted at the 16‑round stage. Under Guardiola, Manchester City this season managed to win the League Cup, but they fell behind early in the Premier League title race, trailing Arsenal by as much as nine points with one game less played; in the Champions League they were twice defeated by Real Madrid and stopped in the Round of 16. Coupled with Guardiola’s family and emotional issues, many media outlets suggest that Guardiola will leave after this season, departing from the Blue Moon dynasty he personally built over ten years of coaching.

Italian transfer expert Romano discussed the topic of Manchester City’s managerial position, stating: Manchester City is extremely satisfied with Guardiola and grants him absolute authority and trust. If Guardiola chooses to leave this summer, then the most ideal successor in the minds of Manchester City’s top brass is former Chelsea boss Maresca, who did not participate in the competition for the Manchester United manager role—this is a mutual attraction. Even recently when Tottenham changed coaches, Maresca did not join the race; Tottenham opted for De Zerbi. Maresca is waiting because he knows Manchester City’s leadership admires him.

Regarding this fan clause, the appearance indeed serves as a substitute. Guardiola and Maresca also have a mentor‑disciple relationship. Looking at Chelsea’s current situation after Maresca’s departure, it’s clear that Maresca is a capable coach. Therefore, Manchester City’s view of Maresca as Guardiola’s successor is primarily based on tactical competence considerations.