Enzo Maresca Named New Manchester City Manager

Manchester City have officially appointed Italian coach Enzo Maresca as the club’s new manager, succeeding Pep Guardiola following the Spaniard’s departure at the end of the 2025-26 season.

Maresca signed a three-year contract with the Premier League champions after reaching an agreement with Chelsea over a compensation package reportedly worth around £17 million ($22.5 million). 

The 46-year-old returns to the Etihad Stadium, where he previously worked as head coach of City's Elite Development Squad before serving as Guardiola’s assistant during the club’s historic 2018-19 domestic treble campaign.

Expressing his excitement over the appointment, Maresca described Manchester City as a club he knows well and called the opportunity to lead the first team "a brilliant chance." 

He added that he is eager to begin working with the players, stressing his ambition to win trophies while maintaining the attractive style of football associated with the club.

Maresca's managerial career began with Parma in 2021 before he guided Leicester City back to the Premier League by winning the Championship title in the 2023-24 season.

His success earned him a move to Chelsea, where he led the Blues to a fourth-place Premier League finish and won both the UEFA Conference League and the FIFA Club World Cup during his 18-month spell at Stamford Bridge.

However, his time at Chelsea ended controversially after he requested to leave midway through the 2025-26 season upon learning of Manchester City's interest. 

Chelsea confirmed that Maresca was determined to replace Guardiola despite being under a long-term contract, with the club admitting his sudden departure disrupted their campaign.

In his farewell message, Maresca apologized to Chelsea supporters, acknowledging that his exit caused instability during the season. 

He thanked the club for the support he received and said the achievements they shared would remain among the highlights of his career.

Maresca now faces one of football's biggest challenges as he replaces Guardiola, who transformed Manchester City into one of Europe's dominant clubs during his remarkable 10-year tenure. 

Guardiola won six Premier League titles, one UEFA Champions League trophy, multiple domestic cups, and established himself as the most successful manager in the club's history before stepping down in May.