Manchester City confirm Enzo Maresca as head coach on three-year deal | OneFootball

Manchester City have confirmed Enzo Maresca as head coach on a three-year deal, succeeding Pep Guardiola. The Italian previously served as Guardiola’s assistant during the 2022/23 treble-winning season.

Minutes later, Chelsea issued a lengthy social media statement that did not name Maresca, referring to him only as their ‘former coach’. The club said the 2025/26 season was very disappointing and cited instability caused by a Christmas coaching change.

His appointment follows months of speculation in England about Guardiola’s successor and talk of a return for a coach steeped in City’s structure.

Maresca took over at Chelsea in summer 2024 and swiftly left his mark at Stamford Bridge, winning the UEFA Conference League and the Club World Cup.

The situation escalated when City made contact over his availability amid Guardiola’s impending departure, after which differences with the board led by Todd Boehly became irreconcilable. That ended with his exit on 1 January 2026.

Attention will now turn to the first Chelsea v Manchester City meeting of the 2026/27 Premier League season, which is set to carry added edge after recent events.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo