Manchester City has announced the appointment of Enzo Maresca as manager, succeeding Pep Guardiola. Maresca joins the Premier League club following his mid-season departure from Chelsea, a move that prompted the London club to issue a statement detailing the circumstances of his exit.
Maresca has signed a three-year contract with Manchester City. He is familiar with the club’s structure, having previously coached their youth team and served as an assistant coach under Pep Guardiola during the 2018-19 treble-winning season. Maresca expressed his enthusiasm for the role, stating that Manchester City is a club he knows well and that managing the team is a brilliant opportunity.
Maresca’s managerial journey and Chelsea departure
The Italian’s managerial career began at Parma in 2021. He later guided Leicester City back to the Premier League as champions at the start of the 2023-24 Championship season. This success led to his move to Chelsea, where he was tasked with leading a young squad. During his tenure at Stamford Bridge, Maresca guided Chelsea to a fourth-place finish, and the team lifted both the Conference League and the FIFA Club World Cup.
However, his relationship with Chelsea‘s owners reportedly deteriorated, leading to his departure midway through his second season. Chelsea‘s statement on Monday indicated that Maresca had expressed a desire to leave in the middle of his contract after being informed of the opportunity to succeed Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. The club stated it became clear that his strong desire was to pursue this opportunity, despite being under a long-term contract he had no right to terminate.
In December 2025, Maresca unexpectedly resigned from his position. Chelsea felt let down, believing his focus had shifted to another club and opportunity, despite having recently arrived. The club stated that no club wishes to change its head coach mid-season, but in light of his decision not to continue his responsibilities, they had no choice but to accept his resignation to protect the players, supporters, and the club’s badge.
A confidential settlement has been reached between Chelsea and Manchester City, which includes the payment of compensation. A confidential settlement has also been reached with Maresca, under which he will pay compensation to his former club. British media reported the fee to be about £17 million.
Looking ahead for Manchester City and Chelsea
Maresca acknowledged that his departure caused disruption for Chelsea‘s season, which ultimately saw the club finish ninth after parting ways with his successor, Liam Rosenior, and turning to caretaker Calum McFarlane. He expressed regret for the disruption, stating it was neither his intention nor his wish, and thanked Chelsea for the success and memories achieved together.
Maresca now faces the task of replacing Pep Guardiola, whose decade-long spell transformed Manchester City into a dominant force in English football. Guardiola, who announced his departure in May, led City to numerous trophies, including six Premier League titles and one Champions League crown. In his final season, Guardiola secured the League Cup and FA Cup for Manchester City.
Manchester City‘s dressing room will see some changes, with captain Bernardo Silva and defender John Stones having left the club upon the expiry of their contracts. Maresca described the squad as young but very good, with a mix of young and experienced players. The club is also expected to announce the signing of Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest this week.
Meanwhile, Chelsea has appointed Xabi Alonso as their new manager. The club expressed confidence in Alonso, highlighting his exceptional football mind and integrity, believing he possesses the attributes to deliver the success supporters expect and deserve.
Maresca will be managing a Manchester City side that won both the FA Cup and Carabao Cup last season.
Source: chelseafc.com
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