Manchester City have confirmed Enzo Maresca as their new manager, with the Italian signing a contract until June 2029 to succeed Pep Guardiola. The appointment marks Maresca’s third spell at the club, where he previously coached the Elite Development Squad and served as Guardiola’s assistant during the treble-winning 2022-23 campaign.
Compensation settlement
The move required a significant financial package after Maresca resigned from Chelsea on 1 January 2026 while under a long-term contract. Chelsea stated that Manchester City paid £17 million in compensation, though Italian sources suggest the figure could reach €20 million. The west London club also confirmed that Maresca himself must pay personal compensation for terminating his contract without right.
Chelsea explained that Maresca informed them last autumn of his desire to replace Guardiola and that he abruptly resigned in December despite having no contractual right to do so. Maresca insisted the choice was his alone, stating: “The decision was only mine.” He apologised for the mid-season disruption, adding that this outcome had not been his wish.
Return to the Etihad
Maresca inherits a squad that finished second in the Premier League, seven points behind Arsenal, after taking the title race to the penultimate game. City have lost long-serving duo Bernardo Silva and John Stones, while midfielder Rodri is considering his future at the club despite a contract running to 2027.
The rebuild has already begun with Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson reportedly set to join for £116 million. Erling Haaland remains the focal point of the attack having claimed the Golden Boot in three of his four seasons at the club.
Since departing City two years ago, Maresca has established himself as a head coach of growing repute. He led Leicester City to the Championship title and Premier League promotion in 2023-24 before taking charge of Chelsea, where he won the Conference League and the inaugural Club World Cup.
What was said
City chairman Khaldoon Al-Mubarak praised the appointment, highlighting Maresca’s “personality, passion and intelligence” as qualities aligned with the club’s needs. He stated that the squad was well-suited to the new manager’s approach.
Maresca expressed enthusiasm for the challenge ahead. “Manchester City is a club I know very well and to have the chance to manage this team is a brilliant opportunity for me,” he said. “I want us to win, play good football and enjoy the pressure of representing Manchester City.”
Chelsea have since appointed Xabi Alonso as Maresca’s replacement. Pre-season preparations now begin immediately as Maresca aims to imprint his methodology on the squad ahead of the new campaign, with City seeking to reclaim the Premier League title after two seasons without domestic dominance.