Enzo Maresca returns to Manchester City as new head coach
Manchester City have officially confirmed the appointment of Enzo Maresca as the club's new head coach following the departure of Pep Guardiola. The Italian has signed a three-year contract at the Etihad Stadium, marking his third spell with the Premier League champions after previously working as Guardiola's assistant and leading City's Elite Development Squad.
City will reportedly pay Chelsea more than £17 million (€20 million) in compensation as part of a confidential settlement following Maresca's controversial mid-season resignation from Stamford Bridge.
Maresca returns to familiar surroundings
Maresca is no stranger to Manchester City. He guided City's Elite Development Squad to the Premier League 2 title during the 2020/21 campaign before returning in 2022 as Pep Guardiola's assistant.
The pair worked together throughout City's historic treble-winning season in 2022/23, helping the club win Premier League, FA Cup and UEFA Champions League.
Now, the 46-year-old returns as Guardiola's permanent successor. 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.
"This will be my third spell here. I know this club, I know the demands and I know the expectations.
"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 remarkable era comes to an end
Guardiola left Manchester City at the end of the 2025/26 season after an extraordinary decade in charge. During his tenure, City won 17 major trophies, including multiple Premier League titles and the club's first-ever UEFA Champions League crown.
His final campaign ended without a league title after Arsenal were crowned champions, marking the first time Guardiola failed to win the Premier League in consecutive seasons during his managerial career.
Chelsea explain Maresca's departure
Chelsea released a lengthy statement explaining the circumstances surrounding Maresca's resignation in January. According to the club, Maresca informed Chelsea during the autumn that he was interested in succeeding Guardiola if the opportunity became available.
Chelsea said it became clear that his "head and heart" were focused on Manchester City, prompting his resignation midway through the season.
The Blues described the timing as disruptive and confirmed that confidential compensation agreements had been reached with both Manchester City and Maresca himself.
Chelsea stated:
"The club was left with no choice but to protect our players, our supporters, and the badge."
Despite the difficult circumstances, Chelsea emphasized their respect for the relationship between both clubs.
Maresca apologises to Chelsea fans
Following his appointment, Maresca posted a public apology to Chelsea supporters on Instagram. The Italian admitted that leaving during the season caused disruption and accepted full responsibility.
He wrote:
"The decision was only mine."
"I recognise that my departure from Chelsea in the middle of the season caused disruption for the club and I apologise for that."
He also thanked Chelsea's owners, staff and supporters for giving him the opportunity to manage the club.
Compensation package explained
Becausb Maresca remained under a long-term Chelsea contract that reportedly ran until 2030, Manchester City were required to negotiate compensation. According to reports:
- Manchester City will pay Chelsea more than £17 million
- Maresca will also personally pay compensation under a separate confidential agreement
Chelsea insisted that their contractual position had to be respected after losing their head coach midway through the campaign.
Why City believe Maresca is the right fit
Manchester City's hierarchy view Maresca as the ideal candidate to continue the footballing philosophy established under Guardiola. His familiarity with City's structure, academy system and playing style should help provide continuity while introducing his own tactical ideas.
Since leaving City previously, Maresca has built an impressive managerial résumé by:
- Winning promotion to the Premier League with Leicester City
- Guiding Chelsea to UEFA Conference League success
- Winning the FIFA Club World Cup
- Securing a top-five Premier League finish
His appointment signals City's desire for evolution rather than revolution as they begin life after Guardiola.
A new era begins at the Etihad
Replacing arguably the greatest manager in Manchester City's history is one of the biggest challenges in world football. However, Maresca arrives with intimate knowledge of the club, experience working under Guardiola, and a growing reputation as one of Europe's brightest young coaches.
The next chapter at the Etihad now begins with a familiar face determined to build on one of football's greatest modern dynasties.
SportsLigue
