Manchester City have confirmed Enzo Maresca as their new manager on a three-year deal, with the Italian succeeding Pep Guardiola at the Etihad Stadium. The 46-year-old has signed a contract that runs until the summer of 2029 and arrives for what is his third spell at the club.
Maresca was installed as the immediate favourite for the role when Guardiola announced he would leave in the closing days of the 2025-26 campaign. The appointment was held up by negotiations between City and Chelsea over a compensation package, with Maresca having departed Stamford Bridge on 1 January 2026.
A familiar face returning to the Etihad
This is well-trodden ground for Maresca. He first joined City in 2020 as head coach of the Elite Development Squad, leading the side to the Premier League 2 title in 2020-21. After a spell back 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 standout candidate, pointing to a track record at the club that runs alongside his later success in management. Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak framed the return as a natural next step for both parties.
Club
Period
Key honours
Manchester City (EDS)
2020-21
Premier League 2 title
Parma
2021-22
Serie B
Manchester City (assistant)
2022-23
Treble, including the Champions League
Leicester City
2023-24
Championship title and promotion
Chelsea
2024-2026
UEFA Conference League, FIFA Club World Cup
Following Guardiola’s decade of dominance
Maresca inherits a squad shaped by one of the most successful eras in English football. Guardiola departed after 10 years in charge, having won 20 major trophies, among them six Premier League titles and the 2023 Champions League. His teams reset the records for points and consistency, a legacy explored in our rundown of the Premier League winners by year and our look at the most successful managers in Premier League history.
His final season brought a domestic cup double, with City lifting the League Cup and the FA Cup, although the Premier League title went to Arsenal. The handover means the division’s top two sides are now both led by coaches who learned under Guardiola, with Mikel Arteta at Arsenal having served as his assistant. The wider picture of who has taken charge in the competition is tracked in our archive of all-time Premier League managers.
The Chelsea compensation saga
Maresca’s move did not arrive without friction. He left Chelsea on New Year’s Day after a run of one win in his final seven Premier League matches, a departure the club had originally presented as mutual. The Italian has since confirmed that he handed in his resignation, acknowledging that the decision opened a path for the City move.
Chelsea responded with a pointed statement, describing his exit as a decision not to continue fulfilling his responsibilities. The London club confirmed confidential settlements had been reached with both City and Maresca over compensation, with City understood to have paid a fee reported to be in the region of £17m. Chelsea also moved on quickly, having appointed Xabi Alonso as their head coach.
Maresca’s managerial record
Despite the manner of his Chelsea exit, Maresca arrives with silverware behind him. He won the Championship title in his sole 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 amassed, such as the recurring nods listed in our Premier League Manager of the Season awards and Manager of the Month awards, will define the early verdict on his tenure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the key questions answered on Enzo Maresca’s appointment as Manchester City manager.
Who is the new Manchester City manager?
Enzo Maresca is the new Manchester City manager. The 46-year-old Italian was appointed on a three-year deal 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 following a run of one win in his final seven Premier League matches. He later confirmed the resignation opened a path 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 the fee reported to be in the region 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.
