ENZO MARESCA APPOINTED MANCHESTER CITY MANAGER TO REPLACE PEP GUARDIOLA

Enzo Maresca has been appointed manager of Manchester City following Pep Guardiola's departure, with the club agreeing a £17m compensation fee with Chelsea to secure his services. Maresca has signed a three-year contract at the Etihad Stadium. The Italian stated he does not intend to leave the club again, describing himself as excited by the opportunity to continue City's success under a new manager.

Maresca previously served on City's coaching staff on two occasions and was appointed as Guardiola's assistant during the 2022-23 treble-winning season. He subsequently departed to manage Leicester City and Chelsea, where he won the Championship, the Conference League and the Club World Cup. Guardiola recommended Maresca as his successor and the club identified him as their first choice when they began planning for the manager's eventual departure. Maresca held conversations with City about the role while still employed by Chelsea.

Maresca indicated his management philosophy would maintain City's established style of football and approach. During Guardiola's ten-year tenure, the club won the Champions League, six Premier League titles, two trebles, three FA Cups and five League Cups. Maresca described the challenge ahead as significant given the club's recent success, stating his primary objective would be to continue winning trophies and achieving important outcomes. He anticipated a smooth transition between managers.