Pep Guardiola told Todd Boehly what he thinks of Enzo Maresca with Chelsea boss on the brink

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola already made clear his thoughts on Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca

Pep Guardiola waxed lyrical about Enzo Maresca's Chelsea reign amid his uncertain future at Stamford Bridge.

The Italian is reportedly considering his future with the Blues after a breakdown in relationship with the club's hierarchy. Chelsea are on a run of one win in their last seven league games and according to Sky Sports, the 45-year-old could resign from his role just days before their trip to Manchester City on Sunday.

The drama surrounding Maresca's role and relationship with Chelsea's key figures, which include Todd Boehly, has come weeks after he slammed the lack of support he had received in ambiguous comments.

Speaking after a 2-0 win over Everton last month, he said he'd experienced the "worst 48 hours" of his tenure at Chelsea: "Since I joined the club, the last 48 hours have been the worst because many people didn't support us."

With Chelsea fifth in the Premier League standings, they are already 15 points behind leaders Arsenal and could fall five points behind fourth-placed Liverpool, should Arne Slot's side defeat Leeds United at home tonight.

Despite the abject run of form, that hasn't changed Guardiola's mind about the capabilities of his former assistant. Speaking after the Blues' shock 3-1 loss to Leeds, the City boss lamented the lack of credit Maresca has received since leading Chelsea to Conference League and Club World Cup glory last season.

The Spaniard said: "Look what happened after Leeds. One of the best managers in the world, Enzo Maresca, I know him quite well but, the job he has done at Chelsea does not get enough credit. Winning the Club World Cup, Conference League, qualification for the Champions League in a league that is so tough with a young team.

"It is exceptional. And he rotated and look what happened? You are able to win games, games, games and after you lose, lose, lose. It only happens in this league, in this country. It can happen."

Should Maresca depart Stamford Bridge, the Italian will certainly be a man in demand with City reportedly taking an interest in his services. The Athletic report that Maresca will be a key contender for the job at the Etihad Stadium when Guardiola leaves.

The reports was commented on by Maresca who branded it as "100% speculation" last month. Discussing the rumours, he said: "It doesn't affect me at all because I know it's 100 per cent speculation. In this moment, there is no time for these kinds of things, first of all because I have a contract here until 2029.

"I said many times, my focus is just about this club and I'm very proud to be here. It's speculation. One week ago, in Italy, it was the same with Juventus. I don't pay attention because I know it's not true. Now it's important to understand the reason why this news was there. But it's not my job - I don't care [about the speculation] at all."