Manchester City have confirmed Enzo Maresca as their new manager on a three-year contract, with the Italian succeeding Pep Guardiola at the Etihad Stadium. The 46-year-old player has signed a contract that will run until the summer of 2029 and arrives for what is his third spell at the club.
Maresca was installed as the immediate favorite for the role when Guardiola announced he would be leaving in the final days of the 2025-26 campaign. The appointment was held up by negotiations between City and Chelsea over a compensation package, with Maresca leaving Stamford Bridge on 1 January 2026.
A familiar face returning to the Etihad
This is very busy ground for Maresca. He first joined City in 2020 as head coach of the Elite Development Squad, leading the team to the Premier League 2 title in 2020-21. After a spell in Italy with Parma, he returned in 2022 to serve as Guardiola’s first-team assistant during the historic 2022-23 treble season, which ended with City lifting their first Champions League crown.
City chief executive Ferran Soriano described Maresca as the outstanding candidate, pointing to a track record at the club that goes hand in hand with his post-managerial success. President Khaldoon Al Mubarak framed the return as a natural next step for both sides.
| club | period | Key Honors |
|---|---|---|
| Manchester City (EDS) | 2020-21 | Premier League title 2 |
| Parma | 2021-22 | Series B |
| Manchester City (assistant) | 2022-23 | The treble, including the Champions League |
| City of Leicester | 2023-24 | Championship title and promotion |
| Chelsea | 2024-2026 | UEFA Conference League, FIFA Club World Cup |
After Guardiola’s decade of dominance
Maresca inherits a squad shaped by one of the most successful eras in English football. Guardiola left after 10 years in charge, having won 20 major trophies, including six Premier League titles and the 2023 Champions League. His teams re-established records for points and consistency, a legacy explored in our round-up of the Premier League winners by year and our look at most successful managers in Premier League history.
His final season brought a domestic cup double, with City lifting the League Cup and FA Cup, although the Premier League title went to Arsenal. The transfer means the top two teams in the division are now led by managers who learned under Guardiola, with Mikel Arteta at Arsenal serving as his assistant. The wider picture of who has taken over the competition can be found in our archive of Premier League managers of all time.
The Chelsea compensation saga
Maresca’s move did not come without friction. He left Chelsea on New Year’s Day after a run of one win in their last seven Premier League games, an exit which the club had initially presented as mutual. The Italian has since confirmed that he tendered his resignation, acknowledging that the decision paved the way for a move from City.
Chelsea responded with a timely statement, describing his departure as a decision not to continue fulfilling his responsibilities. The London club confirmed that confidential agreements had been reached with both City and Maresca over compensation, with City understood to have paid a fee of around £17m. Chelsea also moved quickly, having appointed Xabi Alonso as head coach.
Managerial file of Maresca
Despite the manner of his departure at Chelsea, Maresca arrives with silverware behind him. He won the Championship title in his only season at Leicester City, earning promotion to the Premier League in 2024. At Chelsea he claimed the UEFA Conference League in his first campaign before lifting the FIFA Club World Cup the following summer. Whether those credentials translate into the kind of accolades Guardiola has racked up, or the recurring nods that feature in our Premier League Manager of the Season Awards i Manager of the Month Awardswill define the early verdict on his mandate.
Frequently asked questions
These are the key questions answered about the appointment of Enzo Maresca as Manchester City manager.
Who is the new manager of Manchester City?
Enzo Maresca is the new manager of Manchester City. The Italian, 46, was appointed on a three-year contract in June 2026, succeeding Pep Guardiola.
How long is Enzo Maresca’s contract at Manchester City?
Maresca has signed a three-year contract that keeps him at the Etihad Stadium until the summer of 2029.
Why did Enzo Maresca leave Chelsea?
Maresca resigned from Chelsea on 1 January 2026 after a run of one win in their last seven Premier League games. He later confirmed that the resignation paved the way for him to join Manchester City.
Did Manchester City pay compensation for Maresca?
yes Manchester City and Chelsea agreed a confidential compensation package before the appointment was confirmed, with a fee of £17m.
Who did Enzo Maresca replace at Manchester City?
Maresca replaced Pep Guardiola, who stepped down after 10 years in charge during which he won 20 major trophies, including six Premier League titles and the Champions League.
