Enzo Maresca Should Be Celtic’s Next Manager

Celtic are in the market for a new manager after Neil Lennon’s departure almost 3 weeks ago. The board have the duty to find a new suitable manager, otherwise, this would be a complete dereliction of their duty.

I have to admit when I heard the name Enzo Maresca for the first time I wasn’t excited by the name, the same as many supporters. However, the more I heard the name the more I was intrigued. I then carried out some research on the Italian and was impressed with what I found. 

After retiring in 2017, he joined Serie B side Ascoli Calcio and worked on his coaching badges. He then made the move to the south of Spain and was appointed assistant manager of Sevilla. In his short spell at the club, he was in the dugout for 28 games as Vincenzo Montella’s number 2. Maresca then recalculated to London where he spent 64 games as Manuel Pellegrini’s assistant. In the first season under the pair, the irons finished 10th. In December of 2019, the duo was dismissed after West Ham’s poor start left the irons sitting just above the relegation zone. 

Despite his tough start, Pep Guardiola chose Enzo Maresca to be Manchester City’s Elite Development Squad manager in the summer of 2020. Since taking over the EDS the team have bet lower league English sides in the EFL Cup before being knocked out by Tranmere Rovers, who made it to the final. Maresca’s city sits top of the Premier League 2, scoring 60 goals and conceding 24 – the leagues best. As part of Maresca’s responsibilities, he must develop players to fit Pep Guadiolias technically perfect expectations. Pep trusting Enzo Maresca demonstrates his knowledge of the game at the highest level. Guardiola, whom some consider being the best coach/manager in a job, likes to play a 4-3-3 possession-based attacking football, the style of football champions play. 

The appointment of Enzo Maresca would reap many benefits. Maresca could be vital to our recruitment process in the post-Brexit market, having worked down in the Premier League 2 he would be able to identify future stars like Frimpong and develop them into top European players.

If the club were to appoint Enzo Maresca I, for one, would be excited but recognise success may not be instant. Similar to what has happened across the city. I believe Maresca is one of the best candidates for the job and should be taken seriously despite lacking experience. 

Aaron Haire