Manchester City appoint Enzo Maresca as new manager
Manchester City has announced the appointment of Enzo Maresca as their new manager, succeeding Pep Guardiola at the Etihad Stadium. Maresca, who previously served as Chelsea‘s head coach, returns to City after having worked as Guardiola’s assistant and coached the club’s Elite Development Squad.
According to reports, City will pay Chelsea more than £17m (€20m) in compensation as part of the agreement for Maresca’s move. Maresca had been out of work since leaving Stamford Bridge on New Year’s Day.
Maresca’s return to Manchester City
Maresca was Guardiola’s assistant during the club’s treble-winning season. Before that, he led City’s Elite Development Squad to the Premier League 2 title during the 2020/21 season.
In a statement following his appointment, Maresca expressed his familiarity with the club, stating that Manchester City is a club he knows very well. He described the opportunity to manage the team as brilliant, highlighting the club’s innovative, planned, and purposeful approach.
Maresca emphasised that he knows the demands and expectations associated with the role. He also thanked the club for their faith in his abilities and expressed his eagerness to begin coaching the players, with a focus on winning, playing good football, and embracing the pressure of representing Manchester City.
Chelsea’s statement on Maresca’s departure
Coinciding with City’s announcement, Chelsea FC released a statement addressing Maresca’s departure from the club on 1 January 2026. The club acknowledged that the 2025/26 season was a disappointing one for both the club and its supporters, attributing a major factor to the disruption caused by changes to the head coach position over the Christmas period.
Chelsea’s statement explained that in the autumn of the previous year, their former head coach had informed them of a potential opportunity to succeed Pep Guardiola at the end of the season. The club noted that it became clear he had a strong desire to pursue this opportunity, despite being under a long-term contract.
In December 2025, the head coach unexpectedly resigned. Chelsea stated they felt let down, believing his focus had shifted to another club and opportunity, despite having joined Chelsea the year before. The club indicated that in light of his decision not to continue fulfilling his responsibilities, they had no choice but to accept his resignation to protect the club’s interests.
The statement also confirmed that confidential settlements were reached with both Manchester City, which included compensation payments, and with the former head coach, who will also pay compensation. Chelsea concluded by looking forward to the next season with Xabi Alonso as manager, describing him as having an exceptional football mind and high integrity, capable of delivering success.
During his time at Chelsea, Maresca led the team to the Club World Cup title. He departed the club with them in fifth place in the Premier League table.
Guardiola departed the Etihad at the end of the 2025/26 season after a decade in charge, during which City secured 17 major trophies. The club missed out on the Premier League title to Arsenal in the 2025/26 season.
Maresca’s previous experience also includes managing Leicester City. He was part of Pep Guardiola’s coaching staff when Manchester City achieved their treble-winning season in 2022/23, securing the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League.
The appointment of Maresca is seen as a sensible choice for Manchester City, given his prior association with the club and understanding of its operational principles. He is expected to fit in seamlessly and continue the club’s long-term project. Maresca had three and a half years remaining on his contract when he departed Chelsea on 1 January 2026.
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Source: chelseafc.com