Manchester City have officially appointed Enzo Maresca as their new manager, signing a three-year contract to succeed Pep Guardiola. This appointment follows Maresca’s unexpected departure from Chelsea FC on 1 January 2026, a move that led to compensation agreements between all parties involved.
Chelsea released a statement detailing the circumstances surrounding Maresca’s exit, indicating that in Autumn 2025, their former Head Coach informed them of a potential opportunity to succeed Guardiola. It became clear to Chelsea that Maresca had a strong desire to pursue this opportunity, despite being under a long-term contract that he did not have the right to terminate. His resignation in December 2025 left Chelsea feeling let down, as they believed his focus had shifted to another club.
In light of Maresca’s decision not to continue his responsibilities through to the end of the season, Chelsea accepted his resignation. Confidential settlements have since been reached with both Manchester City and Maresca himself, which include compensation payments. Chelsea has since appointed Xabi Alonso as their new manager.
Maresca’s return to Manchester City
Maresca’s appointment marks a return to Manchester City, where he previously served as an assistant coach under Pep Guardiola between June 2022 and 2023, a period during which the club achieved the Treble. Manchester City confirmed that confidential conversations took place between their representatives and Maresca during Autumn and Winter 2025, while he was still Chelsea’s Head Coach. These discussions explored the possibility of him returning to City in a leadership coaching capacity should Guardiola decide to leave.
Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak expressed his excitement about Maresca’s return, highlighting his previous stints with the club’s academy and as Guardiola’s assistant. Al Mubarak noted that Maresca has drawn inspiration from Guardiola’s philosophy while also evolving his own. Guardiola himself had previously praised Maresca’s work at Chelsea, describing him as one of the best managers in the world and commending his success in winning the Club World Cup and Conference League, as well as securing Champions League qualification with a young team.
Maresca has also issued a statement apologising for any disruption caused by his departure from Chelsea. He is now expected to continue Guardiola’s football philosophy at Manchester City. Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville commented that Maresca has a good chance of success if he can secure the squad’s buy-in, noting that Guardiola has left him with a young team.
Pre-season and upcoming fixtures
Manchester City players are currently in their off-season and are scheduled to return for pre-season on 20 July. Following this, the club and Maresca will travel to Hong Kong the following week, where they are set to play Inter Milan in a friendly on Saturday, 1 August.
The team will then proceed to Seoul, South Korea, for two additional friendly matches. They are scheduled to face the K-League All Stars on 5 August and Atletico Madrid four days later. Maresca’s first competitive match as manager will be the Community Shield against Arsenal on Sunday, 16 August, at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.
Maresca’s playing career included time under notable managers such as Carlo Ancelotti at Juventus and Manuel Pellegrini at Malaga. He was also the manager of the Chelsea team that beat Pellegrini’s Real Betis in the Conference League final. Chelsea’s statement highlighted that the 2025/26 season was disappointing due to the disruption caused by changes to the Head Coach position over the Christmas period.
Maresca’s initial contract with Chelsea, which he signed after moving from Leicester City in 2024, was set to run until 2029. Chelsea had paid £10m for his services from Leicester. During his tenure at Chelsea, Maresca reportedly informed the club on two occasions of interest from Manchester City, as well as interest from Juventus. He had indicated that speculation would end if he was offered a new contract. Difficulties were noted in his working relationship with the Chelsea ownership, particularly regarding squad rotation and his public comments.
Maresca’s departure from Chelsea occurred on 1 January 2026.
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Source: chelseafc.com