Pep Guardiola's influence at Man City revealed as deal gets his 'blessing'

Pep Guardiola likely had a significant role in the decision to appoint Enzo Maresca as his replacement at Manchester City.

That is according to experienced former Aston Villa, Everton and Tottenham scout, Bryan King, speaking exclusively to Football Insider.

The 46-year-old was finally confirmed to be the next manager of the Citizens at the end of last month, despite the move having been common knowledge for weeks.

Maresca has replaced Guardiola after 10 years and 20 major trophies while in charge of Man City, with the Spaniard leaving enormous shoes to fill.

The former Leicester City boss worked under Guardiola between 2022 and 2023, later being appointed as the Chelsea manager in 2024.

Maresca left the Blues by mutual consent in January, with the club confirming last week that compensation has been paid by both Man City and the manager after he had been approached during his time at Stamford Bridge.

Man City process

Maresca's task at Man City almost mirrors the job David Moyes faced when he replaced Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United in 2013.

The Scot had just led the Red Devils to their 13th Premier League title under his tenure, and his replacement had impossibly high standards to live up to.

Moyes failed and was sacked in less than a year, with Man United still yet to replace Ferguson 13 years later.

Maresca will hope not to suffer the same fate, and Man City have attempted to give him the tools to succeed by already spending £116million to sign Elliot Anderson this summer.

"To me, personally, he can't be replaced [Guardiola]. But there can certainly be somebody who can carry on with what he's achieved," King told Football Insider.

"And that's, I think, what Manchester City are looking for Maresca to do. He's obviously got Pep's blessing because I would imagine he had quite an input for the new manager, along with the people at Man City, if they had any sense.

"The only question for me is, if he's so good, why was he sacked at Chelsea? It was results. That's why. It was results. It'd be the same at Man City."

Have Man City made a mistake?

If all options were on the table, Man City and Guardiola may have looked elsewhere.

Mikel Arteta worked under the Spaniard for years and would arrive with plenty of experience of managing a top club and an overhaul, with that project now resulting in a league title.

That ship sailed long ago, however, and the Citizens have looked elsewhere from their past.

Maresca represents a bright management talent undoubtedly capable of producing good football and good results.

Whether the 46-year-old has the experience for a job of this magnitude, however, remains to be seen.