Enzo Maresca is on the verge of taking charge as the new Manchester City manager after the Premier League giants reportedly agreed a compensation package with Chelsea to secure the Italian as Pep Guardiola’s successor.
The move will bring Maresca back to the Etihad Stadium, where he previously worked as one of Guardiola’s assistant coaches and played a key role in City’s historic Treble-winning campaign in 2022/23.
New Manchester City Manager Set for Etihad Return
Guardiola’s departure marks the end of one of the most successful managerial reigns in football history.
During his decade at Manchester City, the Spaniard transformed the club into a dominant force both domestically and in Europe, winning multiple Premier League titles and delivering the club’s first Champions League crown.
Choosing Guardiola’s replacement was always going to be one of the biggest decisions in City’s modern history, but club officials appear convinced that Maresca is the right man for the job.
After leaving Manchester City, Maresca moved into management and eventually took charge of Chelsea in 2024.
His spell at Stamford Bridge was relatively short, but it included some notable achievements. He guided the Blues to success in the UEFA Conference League and later led the club to FIFA Club World Cup glory.
Despite those successes, Maresca left Chelsea in January 2026 following tensions with the club’s ownership group, with three-and-a-half years left on his contract.
His departure was officially described as a mutual decision, although reports suggested disagreements behind the scenes had strained the relationship.
Since then, Maresca to Man City has been one of the biggest stories in English football, especially after Guardiola confirmed his intention to step away from the role.
Why Maresca To Man City Makes Sense
The prospect of Maresca to Man City makes sense from City’s perspective.
Maresca already knows the club, understands the expectations and is familiar with the style of football that has brought so much success to the Etihad.
He also enjoys strong relationships with many figures behind the scenes, reducing the risk that often comes with appointing an external candidate.
The Italian spent a season working alongside Guardiola when Man City won the Treble and is regarded as a coach whose football philosophy closely mirrors that of his former mentor. The club’s hierarchy see continuity as a major advantage during what could otherwise be a period of significant change.
However, the challenge facing Maresca will be enormous.
Guardiola leaves behind a legacy that few managers in football history can match. Any successor would inevitably be compared to the Spaniard, and expectations at Manchester City remain sky-high.
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The Pressure on Marsesca
The pressure on the new Manchester City manager will be immense.
Maresca will be expected to compete for Premier League titles immediately while also delivering success in the Champions League. Supporters will want to see the attractive, possession-based football that has become synonymous with the club under Guardiola.
There are also likely to be significant squad decisions ahead.
Manchester City are entering a new era, and Maresca could be tasked with overseeing the next phase of the team’s evolution. While many of the club’s established stars remain in place, refreshing the squad without sacrificing competitiveness will be one of the key challenges facing the new manager.
Reports suggest Guardiola’s replacement, Maresca, has already agreed a three-year contract with City, underlining the club’s confidence in their chosen candidate.
Negotiations with Chelsea over compensation have been the final major hurdle, but an agreement now appears close.
If completed, Maresca to Man City will become one of the defining managerial moves of the summer.
For Manchester City, it is a chance to maintain continuity after the Guardiola era. For Maresca, it is the opportunity of a lifetime.
Many supporters will judge Guardiola’s replacement against the standards set by the Spaniard.
The Italian knows exactly what is expected at the Etihad Stadium. He helped build the foundations of Man City’s recent success from within and now appears ready to lead the club himself.
The task facing Guardiola’s replacement may be one of the toughest jobs in football, but Manchester City clearly believe they have found the man capable of carrying the club forward into its next chapter.
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