Manchester City have appointed Enzo Maresca as their new manager, the club confirmed on Friday. The Italian will replace Pep Guardiola, who departs after ten years and a remarkable trophy haul of 20 titles. Maresca has already agreed terms with City, and a compensation package with Chelsea has now been finalized.
Maresca arrived at Chelsea in June 2024, but will leave the club earlier than anticipated, with the agreement reached to allow him to take the City job. Following a successful season with Chelsea, Manchester City identified Maresca as the ideal candidate to succeed Guardiola. Negotiations regarding salary and contract duration were swiftly concluded, however, resolving his existing contract with Chelsea proved more complex.
Manchester City will pay approximately €20 million to Chelsea to secure Maresca’s release from his contract, which was originally set to run until June 30, 2030. Maresca has signed a three-year contract with City, keeping him at the Etihad Stadium until June 30, 2029. The financial commitment underscores the club’s confidence in his ability to continue their recent success.
This move represents a return to Manchester City for Maresca, who previously managed the club’s Under 23 team from August 2020 to May 2021. He also served as an assistant coach to Guardiola during the 2022/23 season, a campaign in which City achieved a historic treble – winning the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League. That Champions League victory, secured against Inter Milan with a goal from Rodri, marked a first for the club. Prior to his time at Chelsea, Maresca managed Leicester City, demonstrating his capabilities within the Premier League. His appointment signals a continuity of tactical approach, given his prior relationship with Guardiola, while also offering a fresh perspective for the future.
