Former Chelsea coach, Enzo Maresca, who previously managed Chelsea, has reportedly agreed a three-year deal to replace Pep Guardiola as manager of Manchester City.
The Premier League champions moved quickly to secure the appointment of their former assistant coach after confirmation of Guardiola’s expected departure, aiming to ensure a smooth transition at the Etihad Stadium ahead of an official announcement.
Swift transition at City
Manchester City’s leadership have moved decisively to wrap up their managerial succession plan following confirmation that Guardiola will leave this summer.
According to transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, Maresca has signed a three-year contract to take charge at the Etihad.
“Enzo Maresca has already signed a three year deal as Manchester City new manager. Agreement until June 2029 and new chapter to start soon at #MCFC, with Maresca fully involved in the transfer strategy. Here we go, 100% confirmed,” Roman wrote
The Italian tactician, who previously worked under Guardiola before spells with Leicester City and Chelsea, was quickly identified as the preferred candidate to continue the club’s project.
Guardiola exits the club with a remarkable record, having won 20 trophies during his decade-long spell, which concluded with a domestic cup double in his final season. Before departing, the Catalan coach offered advice to his successor, stressing calmness and authenticity.
Guardiola said, “When the club tell me who it is, of course I will call him. I will tell him, ‘Be yourself and the club will support you unconditionally’. That is the biggest compliment, or the biggest luck that all the managers who have been here have had. You will be protected in the bad moments more than any other club. Be yourself, be free, go with your ideas. Work a lot and everything will be fine.”
Squad rebuild and summer plans
Maresca is set to inherit a strong squad already in the midst of a long-term rebuild. In the final stages of Guardiola’s tenure, City’s recruitment drive focused on emerging talents such as Rayan Cherki, Abdukodir Khusanov, Marc Guehi, and Antoine Semenyo, signalling a shift towards sustained squad evolution.
The incoming manager will play a central role in shaping the club’s summer transfer strategy as City aim to bounce back from their 2025–26 runners-up finish and reclaim the Premier League title.
One of the early targets under consideration is Elliot Anderson of Nottingham Forest, who is seen as a potential midfield reinforcement ahead of pre-season.
Maresca’s immediate task will be to manage a high-pressure environment, refine key tactical areas, and impose his possession-based philosophy as he prepares the squad for a demanding campaign across multiple competitions.
