Manchester City have confirmed Enzo Maresca as their new manager, handing the 46-year-old a three-year contract to replace Pep Guardiola. The Premier League champions will pay Chelsea more than £17m in compensation after Maresca left Stamford Bridge mid-season. He previously worked as Guardiola's assistant during City's historic 2023 treble campaign and managed their Elite Development Squad to the Premier League 2 title in 2020/21.

Maresca's appointment comes after Guardiola's departure following 10 trophy-laden years at the Etihad. The Spanish manager missed out on the 2025/26 league title as Arsenal pipped City to the crown, marking the first time Guardiola failed to win back-to-back league titles in his career. Maresca inherits a squad that reached the Champions League semi-finals but fell short of domestic glory.

Chelsea released a strongly worded statement revealing Maresca resigned abruptly in December 2025 despite being under contract until 2030. The club claimed his 'head and heart' were focused on the City opportunity rather than Chelsea's interests. Maresca later apologised on Instagram, acknowledging his mid-season exit caused disruption while confirming he paid personal compensation to his former employers.

The settlement ensures both clubs move forward, though questions remain about Maresca's ability to replicate Guardiola's success. His track record includes winning the Conference League and Club World Cup with Chelsea, but rebuilding City's dominance after their first league title miss since 2017 will define his tenure.