By Bilal Ahmed
Maresca’s return to Manchester City
Manchester City has announced the appointment of Enzo Maresca as its new manager. The Italian coach has signed a three-year contract, which will keep him at the club until the summer of 2029. This marks Maresca’s third period with the club, bringing with him significant experience and success from elite-level football.
Maresca expressed his familiarity with Manchester City, stating that the opportunity to manage the team is a brilliant one. He described the club as incredibly well-run, highlighting its innovative, planned, and purposeful approach, which he considers a dream situation for a manager. This environment, he noted, provides the consistency needed for effective job performance.
Having been with the club twice before, Maresca emphasized his understanding of the demands and expectations at Manchester City. He also acknowledged the quality of the people working at the club, thanking them for their faith in his abilities. Maresca conveyed his eagerness to begin coaching the players, with a stated aim to win, play good football, and embrace the pressure of representing the club.
Club’s perspective on the appointment
Manchester City Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak believes that Maresca and the club are a suitable match. He noted that the style of football Maresca prefers aligns with the club’s values. Al Mubarak described Maresca as someone who consistently seeks challenges and aims for success in his managerial career, bringing a personality, passion, and intelligence that matches the club’s requirements.
Al Mubarak further stated that Maresca is re-joining an organization that is fully aligned with his ambition and desire for achievement, making his return a natural progression for both parties. He added that Maresca will inherit a squad and football organization well-suited to reflect and develop his brand of football, and the club looks forward to the impact he will have in building on its success. Al Mubarak concluded by welcoming Maresca back to the club.
Chief Executive Officer Ferran Soriano also commented on the appointment, identifying Maresca as the top candidate during their selection process. Soriano highlighted Maresca’s personality and his vision for how football should be played, describing him as a man of integrity, charisma, and passion. Soriano mentioned Maresca’s successes at Chelsea and Leicester, in addition to his previous track record with Manchester City.
Soriano recalled Maresca’s distinguished management of the club’s EDS team and his significant contribution to the historic Treble-winning season. He assured that Maresca would receive all necessary support to succeed and expressed anticipation for his positive influence on the club’s future progress. Everyone at Manchester City extended their best wishes to Maresca as he prepares for this new challenge.
Context of the managerial change
The appointment of Maresca follows a period of disruption at another club, Chelsea FC, during the 2025/26 season. Chelsea FC issued a statement acknowledging that the season was disappointing, partly due to changes in their Head Coach position around the Christmas period. The club explained that their former Head Coach departed on January 1, 2026.
In the autumn of the previous year, Chelsea FC was informed by their former Head Coach about a potential opportunity to succeed Pep Guardiola at the end of the season. It became evident to Chelsea FC that their coach had a strong desire to pursue this opportunity, despite being under a long-term contract that he was not entitled to terminate.
In December 2025, Chelsea FC‘s Head Coach unexpectedly resigned. The club felt let down, believing that the coach’s focus had shifted to another club and opportunity, despite having joined Chelsea only the year before. Chelsea FC stated that no club wishes to change its head coach mid-season, but given the coach’s decision not to continue fulfilling his responsibilities, the club had no choice but to accept his resignation to protect its players, supporters, and identity.
A confidential settlement, including compensation, has been reached between Chelsea FC and Manchester City, reflecting the mutual respect between the clubs. Additionally, a confidential settlement was agreed upon with the former Head Coach, under which he will pay compensation. Looking ahead, Chelsea FC has appointed Xabi Alonso as their new Manager, describing him as having an exceptional football mind and high integrity, with attributes to deliver success for the club’s supporters.
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Source: chelseafc.com
