Former Liverpool player Danny Murphy has ruled out the possibility of Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca stepping in as Pep Guardiola’s successor at Manchester City.

As Guardiola’s contract with City runs into its final year, speculation over his future has intensified.

However, Murphy believes that neither Maresca nor Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta—both of whom previously worked under Guardiola at City—will be considered as his replacement.

In a recent column for the Daily Mail, Murphy highlighted the managerial growth Maresca and Arteta have displayed since leaving City. “It’s a massive compliment to Pep Guardiola that two of the brightest Premier League managers worked for him at Manchester City and have greatly improved Chelsea and Arsenal on what they learned.

“Enzo Maresca and Mikel Arteta will be in the conversation to succeed their mentor when Pep leaves because they already know the club so well. But I don’t think it’s going to happen.”

Murphy elaborated on why he believes City will look elsewhere, suggesting they will opt for a manager with a stronger track record of winning major trophies.

He added: “First, I suspect City will want a manager with experience of winning a major league or European competition. With Hugo Viana due to begin as a new sporting director, they’ll need someone in the hot seat who can attract the stars.”

Additionally, Murphy expressed doubt that Maresca or Arteta would be willing to step away from the projects they are building with their current clubs.

He continued, “Just as importantly, I don’t believe even if they are courted by City either Maresca or Arteta would be prepared at this stage to sacrifice the projects they are building for the awkward challenge of following a legend.

“The only manager to compare with Guardiola in terms of success, Sir Alex Ferguson, has been impossible to match at Manchester United for more than a decade.”

Murphy concluded by reinforcing his belief that Maresca will stay at Stamford Bridge, at least for another season: “Whatever Guardiola decides in the summer, I expect this London derby to have the same figures in the technical area next season.”

Guardiola’s tenure at City has brought the club unprecedented success, including a Champions League trophy and numerous Premier League titles.

However, as City anticipates life after the Spaniard, the Blues can take comfort knowing that Enzo Maresca remains committed to Chelsea’s project, bringing hope and ambition to Stamford Bridge.