Manchester City have officially confirmed the appointment of Enzo Maresca as their new head coach, ending weeks of speculation and concluding negotiations that included compensation agreements with Chelsea.
The 46-year-old Italian was unveiled on Monday as the successor to Pep Guardiola, signing a three-year contract at the Etihad Stadium.
Shortly after City’s announcement, Chelsea released a detailed statement revealing that compensation had been paid by both Manchester City and Maresca as part of a settlement linked to his departure from Stamford Bridge.
In a message posted on Instagram, Maresca expressed regret over the circumstances of his exit from Chelsea while sharing his excitement about taking charge at City.
Sources close to Manchester City told ESPN that relations between the two clubs remain positive and that the delay in finalising the appointment stemmed from contractual issues involving Maresca and Chelsea.
Chelsea said in their statement: “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.
“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.”
Maresca joined Chelsea in 2024 on a five-year contract and enjoyed notable success during his 18 months in charge, leading the club to Conference League and Club World Cup triumphs.
His tenure came to an abrupt end on January 1, 2026, when he stepped down from his role. Chelsea subsequently appointed Liam Rosenior, but a disappointing campaign saw the Blues finish 10th in the Premier League and miss out on European football. Rosenior was dismissed in April.
The move marks Maresca’s third spell at Manchester City, having previously managed the club’s Elite Development Squad and later served as Guardiola’s assistant coach between 2022 and 2023.
Reflecting on his departure from Chelsea, Maresca wrote: “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.
“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.”
