New reports are surfacing that Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca could soon find himself at the helm of Manchester City.
Managerial timelines in the English Premier League are ever-shifting. Especially at Chelsea, where managers are notoriously not long to last. Usually it is the club that makes the decision to let go of a manager, few coaches leave on their own accord as Chelsea is seen as the pinnacle of professional footballing jobs.
But that may soon be challenged a new report from The Athletic suggest that Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca could soon be on the way out on his own accord, to Manchester City no less. With current Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola potentially stepping down after the season, the front office for City is already on the coaching search.
Chief among them and potentially at the top of that list is current Chelsea manager and former Manchester City assistant Maresca.
The timing is interesting, if not a bit eyebrow raising as Maresca is in the middle of a media firestorm following his oddly negative remarks to the media following a 2-0 win over Everton last weekend. Were his comments directed towards the club in anticipation of an upcoming change? Is the talk about a potential offer from Manchester Citmanag affecting him?
Maresca's contract with Chelsea runs through 2029 and he is only in his second season with the club. Those two years have been marred with highs and lows, from unexpected trophies to mind-boggling outbursts and media appearances. But the former first-team assistant for Manchester City might find it difficult to pass up an opportunity to takeover for the legendary Guardiola.
After all, Guardiola did mention ahead of the season that he was seriously contemplating taking a break from football managing after his current contract comes up. Much like Jürgen Klopp did following his fabled run with Liverpool.
After all, managing at the highest levels of football, for a decade no less, takes a toll on anybody, even Pep.
But the question must be raised - what will Maresca have at City that he doesn't already have at Chelsea?
Maresca has a talented young squad, an open checkbook and the freedom to tinker as he pleases, as long as he continues to meet the expectation that he will compete for an EPL title. Something he is currently meeting.
Manchester City on the other hand will be a club and supporter base devastated by the loss of Guardiola. A void that will be expected to be filled by the new incoming manager. Pressure to maintain that level of competitiveness and win every trophy, every season, will be at the forefront.
Is that something Maresca can handle? The pressure, the expectations? Meanwhile, he has flexibility at Chelsea and even with success continues to make head-scratching comments. Will that be tolerated at City?
These are questions only the club and Maresca can answer. But one thing is clear - the grass is not always greener.