Maresca’s return to Manchester City
Enzo Maresca has been appointed as the new head coach of Manchester City, marking his return to the club after three years. The Italian, who previously served as Pep Guardiola‘s assistant during City’s Treble-winning 2022-23 season, has taken over from Guardiola on a three-year deal. This appointment highlights the rapid progression in Maresca’s managerial career, having first assumed a head coach role in 2021.
Maresca now faces the significant challenge of succeeding Guardiola, who secured 20 trophies during his decade-long tenure at City. He described the new role as a “huge challenge.” Maresca stated that the club’s desire to maintain the same style of football and philosophy was a key reason for his return, with the primary objective being to win and achieve important things.
City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak has spoken positively about Maresca’s return, noting his previous stints with the academy and as an assistant coach. Al Mubarak believes Maresca has drawn inspiration from Guardiola’s philosophy while also developing his own. He anticipates that fans will appreciate Maresca’s football philosophy and how the team will perform under his leadership.
Influences and tactical approach
Maresca’s coaching style is influenced by both Italian and Spanish football. His exposure to Guardiola’s Barcelona during his playing career at Sevilla and Malaga opened his eyes to a new style of play, contributing to the rise of technical, possession-based teams. His “football father,” former Manchester City and West Ham manager Manuel Pellegrini, recognised his coaching potential during his playing days.
Guardiola himself had previously referred to Maresca as “one of the best managers in the world.” Those close to both managers indicate that Maresca’s selection would not have occurred without Guardiola’s awareness. Furthermore, outgoing sporting director Txiki Begiristain reportedly recommended Maresca as Guardiola’s successor when transitioning his responsibilities to Hugo Viana last summer.
During his season as Guardiola’s assistant, Maresca was an influential figure, with Guardiola often relying on him for tactical innovations. This period included the re-positioning of England defender John Stones as a central midfielder, a move that proved crucial in the Champions League final victory against Inter Milan.
Maresca also left a notable impression during his time as head coach of City’s Elite Development Squad in the 2020-21 season. Gareth Taylor, who worked with Maresca at City, observed that Maresca brought a different approach, allowing more freedom in team setups compared to the strict game models typically followed by other coaches in that environment.
Despite his Spanish influences, Maresca’s Italian roots are also significant, having played under coaches such as Carlo Ancelotti and Marcelo Lippi. After an initial spell in management at Parma, his time in Manchester led to managerial roles at Leicester City and then Chelsea.
Expectations and immediate tasks
City insiders have spoken highly of Maresca, and he is expected to uphold Guardiola’s philosophy. Guardiola’s decade-long tenure saw the club win 20 trophies, and Maresca now faces the task of continuing this winning culture.
The club’s players are scheduled to report for pre-season on 20 July, with those involved in the World Cup receiving additional time off. Maresca’s immediate priorities include addressing key player contracts and potential new signings.
The club record arrival of England midfielder Elliot Anderson, reportedly valued at £116m, is expected to be confirmed this week. City will also focus on signing a new right-back, with reports linking them to Chelsea‘s Malo Gusto and Lille‘s Ayyoub Bouaddi.
A crucial task for Maresca will be to secure a new deal for midfielder Rodri, who is entering the final 12 months of his contract at Etihad Stadium. Additionally, Maresca, who prefers goalkeepers adept with their feet, will need to decide between Gianluigi Donnarumma and James Trafford for the number one spot.
Tactical philosophy and external interests
Maresca views himself as a master tactician who values control. His teams typically line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, focusing on possession, preventing counter-attacks, and maintaining dominance. This approach bears a strong resemblance to Guardiola’s style, emphasising physicality in attack to press high and win the ball.
While at Chelsea and Leicester, Maresca experienced periods of poor form, though his overall tenure was successful. He faced criticism for slow build-up play but often countered this with fluid positional rotations. An example of this was Marc Cucurella‘s effective movement into an advanced midfield role late last season. Another tactical move involved an asymmetric overlapping full-back, Malo Gusto, in the Club World Cup final, which created space for Cole Palmer in the 3-0 victory in New Jersey.
Maresca’s academic interests extend beyond football; he famously wrote a 7,000-word thesis comparing football to chess strategy at Italy‘s Coverciano institute. He also seeks ideas from outside football, engaging with figures like Argentine-Italian volleyball coach Julio Velasco and basketball coach Ettore Messina.
His assistants, Willy Caballero and Danny Walker, are expected to rejoin him at City. Maresca is also known to be studying artificial intelligence and has reportedly attended only one live match recently, a Leicester City home game against Norwich two months ago.
Chelsea’s statement on Maresca’s departure
Chelsea FC issued a statement regarding Maresca’s departure, describing the 2025/26 season as “hugely disappointing” due to the disruption caused by changes to the head coach position over the Christmas period. The club explained that in the autumn of last year, Maresca informed them of a potential opportunity to succeed Pep Guardiola at the end of the season, expressing a strong desire to pursue it despite being under a long-term contract.
In December 2025, Maresca unexpectedly resigned. Chelsea felt that his focus was on another club, despite having joined Chelsea the previous year. The club stated that they had no choice but to accept his resignation to protect the players, supporters, and the club’s integrity, given his decision not to continue fulfilling his responsibilities through to the end of the season.
A confidential settlement, including compensation, has been reached with Manchester City. A separate confidential settlement has also been agreed with Maresca, under which he will pay compensation to Chelsea. Looking ahead, Chelsea has appointed Xabi Alonso as their new manager for the upcoming season.
One report suggests that while the disruption caused by Maresca’s exit was significant, the fundamental issues with squad construction and club strategy were not his fault. However, his actions were seen to have exacerbated these problems. The sporting directors who appointed Maresca and subsequently Liam Rosenior are also considered to share responsibility.
Maresca’s appointment at Manchester City follows his resignation from Chelsea on 1 January 2026.
Source: bbc.com