Manchester City have appointed former Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca as their new manager, succeeding Pep Guardiola after his departure at the end of the 2025/26 season. The 46-year-old Italian has signed a three-year contract at the Etihad Stadium, with City paying Chelsea more than £17 million (€20 million) in compensation as part of the deal.
Maresca's previous links with City
Maresca is no stranger to Manchester City, having served as Guardiola's assistant during the club's treble-winning season in 2023. He also led City's Elite Development Squad to the Premier League 2 title in his single season at the helm in 2020/21. This will be his third spell at the club.
Speaking after his appointment, Maresca said: "Manchester City is a club I know very well and to have the chance to manage this team is a brilliant opportunity for me. City is an incredibly well-run football club. Everything they do is innovative, planned and purposeful. For a manager, that is a dream situation. It provides the consistency I need to do my job effectively."
Departure from Chelsea and recent achievements
Maresca left Chelsea on New Year's Day by mutual consent, having had three and a half years remaining on his contract. During his one full season in charge at Stamford Bridge, he led the Blues to the UEFA Conference League and Club World Cup titles. At the time of his departure, Chelsea were fifth in the Premier League table, five places above their final position of 10th in the previous season.
He has been out of work since leaving Chelsea. Maresca added: "This will be my third spell here. I know this club, I know the demands and I know the expectations. The quality of the people who work here is what makes it so special, and I want to thank them for showing faith in my ability. I cannot wait to start coaching the players. I want us to win, play good football and enjoy the pressure of representing Manchester City."
Guardiola's legacy
Pep Guardiola left the Etihad at the end of the 2025/26 season after 10 years in charge, during which time City won 17 major trophies, including multiple Premier League titles and a historic treble in 2023. Maresca now steps into a role with immense expectations, tasked with maintaining City's dominance in English and European football.
