Manchester City confirm Enzo Maresca as new manager | OneFootball

Manchester City have confirmed the appointment of Enzo Maresca as the club's new manager, with the Italian succeeding Pep Guardiola following the end of the Spaniard's hugely successful decade in charge.

Maresca has signed a three-year contract at the Etihad after City reached an agreement with Chelsea over a compensation package, bringing an end to weeks of negotiations.

The 46-year-old returns to familiar surroundings, having previously managed City's Elite Development Squad before serving as Guardiola's assistant during the club's treble-winning 2022/23 campaign.

The appointment marks Maresca's third spell with the Premier League champions and represents the biggest challenge of his managerial career. He inherits a side that dominated English football under Guardiola, winning six Premier League titles and a host of domestic and European honours.

After leaving City, Maresca enjoyed spells in charge of Leicester City and Chelsea, guiding the latter to UEFA Conference League and FIFA Club World Cup success before departing the Stamford Bridge club in January.

Speaking after his appointment was announced, Maresca said: “Manchester City is a club I know very well and to have the chance to manage this team is a brilliant opportunity for me.

“City is an incredibly well-run football club. Everything they do is innovative, planned and purposeful. For a manager, that is a dream situation. It provides the consistency I need to do my job effectively.

“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.”