Honestly, if Pep leaves, Maresca feels like one of the most logical replacements out there. He already knows the club, the structure, and most importantly the football philosophy — it wouldn’t be a complete reset like with an external appointment.
His style is very much based on positional play and control, so the squad wouldn’t need a massive overhaul to adapt. That’s probably the biggest advantage
— continuity. Players already understand the basics of this system, so the transition could be much smoother than people think.
Plus, he’s not just “Pep’s assistant” — he’s shown he can manage on his own and win. In the right environment, with stability and top players around him, there’s a good chance he could really take that next step.
For me, it wouldn’t feel like replacing Guardiola, but more like continuing the same idea with a new voice.