Manchester City appoint Enzo Maresca as manager to succeed Pep Guardiola

Appointment and contract

Manchester City confirmed on Monday that Enzo Maresca will replace Pep Guardiola as manager from next season. The 46-year-old Italian has signed a three-year deal that runs until the summer of 2029. The appointment was delayed briefly while City negotiated a compensation package with Chelsea, where Maresca had been under a long-term contract before leaving in January. British media reported the fee at about £17 million.

“Manchester City is a club I know very well and to have the chance to manage this team is a brilliant opportunity for me.”

Familiar face returns

Maresca is no stranger to the club. He coached City's Elite Development Squad in 2020-21 and later served as one of Guardiola's assistants, contributing to a treble-winning campaign. Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak said he was drawn to the Italian's football, his mind and his humanity. Maresca knows many current first-team players, including Rodri, Ruben Dias, Erling Haaland, Phil Foden and Nathan Ake, which he said would make the transition smoother.

“He is someone that has been part of this club, part of the success of the club, someone we all know very, very well. He knows us very, very well and he's been part of this family.”

Managerial journey from Parma to Chelsea

Maresca's senior management career began at Parma in 2021, where he lasted only 14 games and registered four wins. He rebuilt his reputation at Leicester City, guiding the Foxes to the Championship title in 2023-24 and securing promotion back to the Premier League. That success earned him the Chelsea job, where he delivered a fourth-place league finish and lifted both the UEFA Conference League and the revamped FIFA Club World Cup in 2025. Relations with Chelsea's board soured, however, and he departed midway through his second season.

Chelsea's break-up and a frosty exit

Chelsea released a fresh statement after City's announcement, saying Maresca had made clear his desire to succeed Guardiola while still under contract. The London club claimed he resigned unexpectedly and abruptly in December 2025, leaving them feeling let down. Maresca had been free since 1 January 2026.

“It became clear to us that it was his strong desire to succeed Guardiola and that he was fully committed to pursuing the opportunity, despite the fact he was under a long-term contract which he had no right to terminate.”

Guardiola's decade of dominance

Maresca inherits a team built by one of football's greatest coaches. Pep Guardiola, now 55, announced his departure in May after 10 years in charge. His tenure delivered six Premier League titles, one Champions League crown, three FA Cups and five League Cups. The Spaniard signed off with the League Cup and FA Cup in his final season.

Premier League6

Champions League1

FA Cup3

League Cup5

Premier League

6 trophies

Champions League

1 trophies

FA Cup

3 trophies

League Cup

5 trophies

Data from the article text

Chairman's confidence and continuity

Al Mubarak stressed that Maresca's football philosophy aligns closely with City's style and that his familiarity with the squad will ensure a smooth transition. The chairman noted that Maresca is his own man but has taken inspiration from working alongside Guardiola. Maresca, for his part, said he aims to maintain the same brand of football while enjoying the pressure of representing the club.