Manchester City have appointed Enzo Maresca as their new head coach after Pep Guardiola stepped down at the end of last season.
The 46 year old Italian has signed a three year contract. He joins City after leaving Chelsea, where he was head coach. Chelsea wanted a reported £17 million in compensation because Maresca was under contract until 2029. That delayed his move to the Etihad Stadium.
“Manchester City is a club I know very well and to have the chance to manage this team is a brilliant opportunity for me,” Maresca said.
“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.”
Maresca knows City well. He worked as one of Guardiola’s assistants during the 2022-23 season when the club won the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup. He also led City’s youth team to the Premier League 2 title in the 2020-21 season.
Chelsea said Maresca had informed the club earlier in the season that he could become Guardiola’s successor.
“In December 2025, our head coach unexpectedly and abruptly resigned from his position,” Chelsea said.
“Obviously, we felt let down.”
Maresca left Chelsea on New Year’s Day. In his first season, he guided the club to fourth place in the Premier League. Chelsea also won the UEFA Conference League and the Club World Cup under him.
“This will be my third spell here. I know this club, I know the demands and I know the expectations,” Maresca said.
“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.”
Maresca now takes charge of a City side aiming to win back the Premier League title after finishing second behind Arsenal last season.
