Enzo Maresca returns to Manchester City as new manager
Manchester City have announced the return of Enzo Maresca as first-team manager. Maresca, who previously led the development team, is seen as a natural successor to Pep Guardiola's success. The club's management, including Khaldoon Al Mubarak and Ferran Soriano, expressed their full support for his vision and skills.
Manchester City have officially confirmed the return of Enzo Maresca as first team manager. Maresca returns to the club for the third time, having previously served as coach of the Elite Development Team, contributing to a historic 2022-23 season that ended with a treble. The Italian, 46, has become one of the most sought-after managers in Europe thanks to his stints at Leicester City and Chelsea, although he left the latter club in difficult circumstances midway through the 2025-26 season.
His appointment ends the search for Pep Guardiola's successor, which began after the end of last season. Director of Football, Hugo Viana, oversaw the selection of a new manager capable of keeping Manchester City at the forefront of world football. Talks regarding compensation for Maresca's departure from Chelsea were concluded just before the official announcement, making it possible to formalize his return, which had been expected for several weeks.
Club chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak expressed his delight at Maresca's return, describing it as a natural step in the further development of both the manager and the club. "Enzo is a person who is always looking for new challenges to succeed in his managerial career," Al Mubarak told club media. "He brings a personality, passion and intelligence that are completely in line with our needs. His return to Manchester City is therefore a natural next step for him and the club."
Executive director Ferran Soriano highlighted Maresca's existing relationship with the club as a key factor in the decision. "Enzo was the clear candidate in our consideration," Soriano said. "We know his personality and vision for the game of football. He is a man of great integrity, charisma and passion. In addition to his successes at Chelsea and Leicester, his record at City speaks for itself. By managing our EDS team, he contributed to a historic treble season."
Maresca inherits a team in the middle of a rebuild, with a £116m deal to buy Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest the first big move of a new era at the Etihad Stadium. Further reinforcements in midfield, defense and goal are underway.
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