Man City has appointed Maresca as the new manager to succeed Guardiola
Manchester City confirmed the appointment of Enzo Maresca as manager to succeed departing coach Pep Guardiola for the upcoming season, as announced by the Premier League club on Monday.
The Italian has joined City after a mid-season departure from Chelsea, with the London club confirming that they have reached an agreement with Manchester City regarding a compensation package. Reports from British media indicate that the fee is approximately £17 million ($22.5 million).
Maresca, who has signed a three-year contract, brings a strong understanding of City’s structure, having previously coached the club’s youth team. He served as the assistant coach for the senior side under Guardiola during City’s treble-winning season in 2018-19. “Manchester City is a club I know very well, and to be chanced to manage this team is a brilliant opportunity for me,” Maresca stated.
“The exceptional caliber of the individuals who work here is what truly sets this place apart, and I want to express my gratitude for their confidence in my abilities.
“I am eagerly looking forward to beginning my coaching journey with the players.” I want us to achieve victory, showcase excellent football, and embrace the challenge of representing Manchester City.
Managerial Journey
The 46-year-old Italian commenced his managerial career at Parma in 2021, where he managed to stay for 14 matches, securing just four victories.
He took on the role of Leicester City manager at the beginning of the 2023-24 Championship season and led the team to a triumphant return to the Premier League as champions.
His achievements in the East Midlands led to a transfer to Chelsea, where he was tasked with guiding a young yet lavishly assembled team back to the Champions League.
Sudden exit at Chelsea
Maresca led Chelsea to a fourth-place finish and secured victories in both the Conference League and Club World Cup. However, his relationship with the club’s owners soured, resulting in his departure midway through his second season at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea announced on Monday that Maresca had indicated a wish to depart during his contract after learning about the chance to take over from Guardiola at Manchester City.
It was evident to us that he had a strong desire to succeed Guardiola and was fully dedicated to pursuing the opportunity, even though he was bound by a long-term contract that he had no right to terminate,” Chelsea stated. “In December 2025, our head coach unexpectedly and abruptly resigned from his position. Clearly, we felt disappointed as we thought that his mind and emotions were directed towards a different club and a new opportunity, even though he had only joined Chelsea the previous year.
City confirmed that they had engaged in confidential discussions with Maresca last year while he was still with Chelsea.
The Italian recognized that his exit had a significant impact on Chelsea’s season, as the club ultimately ended up in ninth place following the dismissal of his successor, Liam Rosenior, and the appointment of caretaker Calum McFarlane.
“I acknowledge that my exit from Chelsea during the season created challenges for the club, and I sincerely apologize for that.” “It was neither my intention nor my wish,” Maresca stated on the Manchester City website. “I was treated well by everyone at Chelsea, and together we achieved great success and created memories that I will always treasure.”
Chelsea have appointed Xabi Alonso as their new manager.
REPLACING GUARDIOLA
Maresca now confronts the challenging responsibility of succeeding 55-year-old Guardiola, whose ten-year tenure reshaped City into the preeminent power in English football.
“City is an exceptionally managed football club. “Everything they do is innovative, planned, and purposeful,” Maresca stated. “For a manager, that is a dream situation.” It offers the reliability I require to perform my duties efficiently.
Guardiola, who revealed his exit in May, guided City to an impressive collection of trophies, featuring six Premier League titles and one Champions League title.
The Spaniard secured the League Cup and FA Cup in his final season, concluding a remarkable tenure at the club, though he fell short of guiding his side to a thrilling Premier League title triumph.
