Manchester City have officially confirmed the appointment of Enzo Maresca as the club’s new manager, with the Italian signing a three-year contract that will keep him at the Etihad Stadium until the summer of 2029. He succeeds Pep Guardiola, ushering in a new era after one of the most successful managerial reigns in football history.
The appointment marks Maresca’s third spell at Manchester City. Having previously led City’s Elite Development Squad to the Premier League 2 title before returning as Guardiola’s assistant during the club’s historic treble-winning campaign, the 46-year-old is already deeply familiar with the club’s football philosophy, structure and expectations.
Speaking after his appointment, Maresca expressed his excitement about returning to the club.
“Manchester City is a club I know very well and to have the chance to manage this team is a brilliant opportunity for me. 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.”
City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak hailed Maresca as the ideal successor to Guardiola, praising both his football intelligence and his understanding of the club’s identity after years working within the City Football Group. Club officials believe his tactical philosophy and familiarity with the environment will ensure continuity as Manchester City enter a new chapter.
Maresca arrives after managerial spells with Parma, Leicester City and Chelsea. He guided Leicester back to the Premier League by winning the Championship before leading Chelsea to UEFA Conference League and FIFA Club World Cup success, although his departure from Stamford Bridge midway through last season generated significant controversy. Reports indicate Manchester City agreed a compensation package with Chelsea to secure his release before announcing the appointment.
The Italian now faces one of football’s biggest challenges: maintaining the extraordinary standards established by Guardiola, who transformed Manchester City into one of the dominant forces in world football during his decade in charge. Maresca’s first competitive match at the helm is expected to come in the Community Shield before he begins his first Premier League campaign as City’s manager.