Enzo Maresca has been officially announced today as the new manager of Manchester City, signing a three-year contract that runs until June 2029, the English Premier League runners-up confirmed.
“The Italian has signed a three-year deal until the summer of 2029. This will mark Maresca’s third stint at the club, and he arrives with a wealth of experience and success at the highest level,” Manchester City stated.
Maresca, who spent a season and a half at the helm of Chelsea, arrives at the Etihad Stadium with the monumental task of replacing Spanish manager Pep Guardiola, who won every trophy possible during his historic 10-year tenure commanding the Citizens.
“This will be my third time here. I know this club, I know the demands, and I know the expectations. The quality of the people working here is what makes it so special, and I want to thank them for showing faith in my abilities,” Maresca said in a statement released by the club.
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The 46-year-old tactician is intimately familiar with the Manchester City setup. He managed the club’s Under-21 and Under-23 Elite Development Squad (EDS) during the 2020/21 campaign and later served as Guardiola’s direct assistant manager with the first team during the historic 2022/23 season. That unforgettable year saw City secure a historic treble alongside the UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup.
In England, Maresca also managed Leicester City, famously guiding the Foxes to the Championship title in the 2023/24 season to secure their immediate promotion back to the Premier League.
“In addition to his successes at Chelsea [Club World Cup and Conference League] and Leicester, his track record at City speaks for itself. He led our EDS with distinction and was a key figure in our historic treble-winning campaign,” explained Manchester City Chief Executive Officer Ferran Soriano.
Maresca faces the immense challenge of stepping out of the shadow of Guardiola, whose monumental haul of 20 trophies with the club includes six Premier League titles, three FA Cups, three Community Shields, five League Cups, one UEFA Champions League, one UEFA Super Cup, and one FIFA Club World Cup.
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Simultaneously today, Chelsea issued a public statement clarifying the behind-the-scenes circumstances surrounding Maresca’s departure from Stamford Bridge, which was set in motion in late December after the Italian manager informed the London club of Manchester City’s interest in securing his services.
“Given the circumstances and the mutual respect between both clubs, a confidential agreement has been signed with Manchester City, which includes the payment of compensation. A confidential agreement was also signed with our former manager, under which he will pay compensation,” the Blues stated.
The London club did not hide its frustration regarding how the timeline unfolded mid-season.
“In December 2025, our manager unexpectedly and abruptly resigned from his position. Naturally, we felt disappointed, as it became clear his mind and heart were focused on another club and another opportunity, despite having arrived at Chelsea just one year prior,” the club added.
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Looking ahead to the upcoming campaign, Chelsea has already secured Spanish tactician Xabi Alonso as their new manager on a four-year contract.
