Manchester City have appointed former Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca as the new manager on a three-year contract, succeeding Pep Guardiola. The 46-year-old returns to a club previously served in two coaching roles, while Chelsea confirm that both Manchester City and Maresca will pay financial compensation linked to his departure from Stamford Bridge.

Maresca resigned from Chelsea in December 2025, despite holding a long-term deal signed the previous year. Since Maresca left, Chelsea have replaced Liam Rosenior, who was appointed and then dismissed, and have now turned to Xabi Alonso as head coach for the new campaign, ending a turbulent period in the dugout.

This is Maresca’s third spell with Manchester City, following earlier work in development and first-team structures. Maresca previously led the club’s Elite Development Squad, guiding that group to the Premier League 2 title in the 2020-21 season, before stepping up to join Guardiola’s senior backroom staff as part of the coaching group.

Before taking over at Manchester City as manager, Maresca held senior roles at Parma, Leicester City and Chelsea. During the spell at Chelsea, Maresca oversaw 92 competitive matches, recording 55 victories, 16 draws and 21 defeats. That period also included Conference League success and a Club World Cup title before the surprise resignation.

Maresca spoke to Manchester City’s official channels about the move and stressed familiarity with the club, the staff and the demands surrounding the team. Maresca also highlighted the desire to deliver trophies, an attacking style and a positive response to pressure while leading a squad that has been competing for major honours under Guardiola.

“Manchester City is a club I know very well and to have the chance to manage this team is a brilliant opportunity for me,” Maresca told the club website. “This will be my third spell here. I know this club, I know the demands and I know the expectations. The quality of the people who work here is what makes it so special, and I want to thank them for showing faith in my ability. I cannot wait to start coaching the players. I want us to win, play good football and enjoy the pressure of representing Manchester City.”

Chelsea response to Enzo Maresca Manchester City manager move

Chelsea issued a lengthy statement outlining the timeline behind Maresca’s exit and the agreement with Manchester City. The club described the resignation as unexpected and stressed that the decision forced a mid-season change on the bench, something Chelsea stated was not part of their original planning for that campaign.

The statement read: “In Autumn last year, the club was informed by our former head coach that there might be an opportunity for him to succeed Pep Guardiola at the end of the season. It became clear to us that it was his strong desire to succeed Guardiola and that he was fully committed to pursuing the opportunity, despite the fact he was under a long-term contract which he had no right to terminate. In December 2025, our head coach unexpectedly and abruptly resigned from his position. Obviously, we felt let down as we believed that his head and heart were focused on another club and another opportunity, despite having just arrived at Chelsea the year before. No club wants to change its head coach midway through a season. However, in light of his decision not to continue fulfilling his responsibilities through to the end of the season, the club was left with no choice but to protect our players, our supporters, and the Badge and accept his resignation. In the circumstances and given the mutual respect between clubs, a confidential settlement has been reached with Manchester City, which includes the payment of compensation. A confidential settlement has also been reached with the former head coach under which he will pay compensation.”

Those confidential settlements close the dispute between Chelsea, Manchester City and Maresca, allowing focus to move toward the new season. Manchester City now begin a new era after Guardiola with a manager who knows the club structure well, while Chelsea proceed under Xabi Alonso following a period of significant change in the technical area.