Enzo Maresca has revealed that he held a conversation with Pep Guardiola before deciding against taking charge of Manchester City, describing the prospect of succeeding the legendary Catalan manager as a near-impossible challenge.

The Chelsea head coach, in his first season leading the Blues, opened up about the frank exchange he had with Guardiola as speculation over the Manchester City vacancy mounted. Maresca acknowledged the weight of stepping into a role so deeply shaped by one of football's greatest-ever managers.

Taking over from Guardiola at Manchester City — a side built meticulously in his image over nearly a decade — was something Maresca felt was beyond realistic expectation for any incoming coach. The standards set at the Etihad Stadium under Guardiola's reign have redefined what English football's top clubs can achieve.

Maresca instead opted for the Chelsea project, where he has been tasked with reshaping a squad assembled through record-breaking investment. His decision to seek counsel from Guardiola before making that call speaks to the respect the two coaches share, having worked together on the Manchester City staff before Maresca stepped into management.

The Italian coach served as Guardiola's assistant at Manchester City, giving him an intimate understanding of the culture and expectations embedded within the club — which may have informed his view that replacing the Spaniard was an undertaking few could realistically carry out.

Maresca's candid assessment adds a new dimension to the ongoing conversation around who can follow Guardiola at the Etihad Stadium, with Manchester City still searching for long-term clarity on their managerial future.