Enzo Maresca appointed as Manchester City manager
Enzo Maresca has been officially unveiled as Manchester City’s new manager, stepping into the role vacated by Pep Guardiola at the Etihad Stadium, reports BritPanorama.
The Italian has signed a three-year contract, nearly seven months after his departure from Chelsea on New Year’s Day. Maresca has since expressed regret to Chelsea fans for the manner of his exit.
Manchester City will pay Chelsea £17 million in compensation, as Maresca was under contract with the London club until the end of the 2028-29 season. The 46-year-old previously served as Guardiola’s assistant during City’s treble-winning 2022-23 campaign, making his return to the club a notable move.
His appointment follows a month after Guardiola’s departure, amid complex negotiations between the two Premier League sides. Maresca took to social media to apologise for any disruption his earlier mid-season exit may have caused at Chelsea.
“At the end of December 2025, I made the difficult decision to leave Chelsea. The decision was only mine. My resignation from Chelsea opened a path for me to join Manchester City, which is a club I knew very well. I am ecstatic that I have now joined Manchester City,” he stated.
Maresca acknowledged the impact of his abrupt departure, saying: “I recognise that my departure from Chelsea in the middle of the season caused disruption for the club and I apologise for that. It was neither my intention nor my wish.”
The former Chelsea coach expressed gratitude towards the club, stating he was “treated well by everyone” and appreciated the opportunities provided to him. Chelsea responded by addressing Maresca’s divided focus during his tenure, commenting on how his ambitions were directed elsewhere.
Aspects of Maresca’s exit from Chelsea were highlighted by the club, which revealed he expressed a desire for the City role late in the summer of 2025, despite being under a long-term contract. Chelsea articulated their disappointment, indicating that they felt “let down” by his commitment elsewhere, acknowledging their reluctance to replace a head coach mid-season.
Ultimately, Chelsea’s performance suffered during Maresca’s last weeks, with the team securing just one victory in their final seven league matches. Following a draw with Bournemouth, frustrations grew among supporters, with vocal discontent directed at Maresca’s decisions during matches.
In the end, Chelsea finished the 2025-26 season in tenth place, failing to qualify for European competition entirely. It remains to be seen how the shift in management at City will influence their pursuit of trophies in the seasons ahead. In football, as always, the shifting sands of managerial fortunes can redefine ambitions—and perhaps this chapter for Maresca will resonate beyond the usual coaching narratives.
