Man City confirm Enzo Maresca return

Manchester City have officially confirmed the signing of Enzo Maresca to replace Pep Guardiola in the dugout for next season, following the Spaniards’ trophy haul in the Premier League over the past decade.

Pep Guardiola, who won 19 trophies during his tenure at Manchester City since 2016 as the successor to Manuel Pellegrini, was long linked with a possible departure, with his exit already confirmed.

Despite the growing speculation at the time, the 55-year-old was understood to have privately informed both his players and the club hierarchy of his intention to leave, despite still having a year remaining on his contract.

Even so, Guardiola maintained his professionalism throughout, choosing to keep the matter away from the public spotlight until making his official announcement.

Many believed lifting the Carabao Cup could prove to be the final piece of silverware of Guardiola’s glittering reign as City manager, bringing the curtain down on a trophy-laden era that delivered 19 major honours, including six Premier League titles and a historic treble.

As a result, Enzo Maresca quickly emerged as one of the leading contenders to succeed the departing Spaniard, having previously worked as Guardiola’s assistant before leaving to take charge of Leicester City in June 2023.

Enzo Maresca appointed as Pep Guardiola's successor

The Italian manager has agreed to a three-year deal to succeed Pep Guardiola, with Man City sporting director Hugo Viana understood to have played a key role behind the scenes after identifying the former Chelsea boss as the club’s leading candidate.

All indications pointed towards Enzo Maresca emerging as the leading candidate to succeed Pep Guardiola at the Etihad Stadium next season.

From that point, it appeared only a matter of time before the club made its move official, with discussions over compensation payments to Chelsea understood to have been taking place behind closed doors.

when speaking to the club’s website, Maresca said: “Manchester City is a club I know very well.

“And to have the chance to manage this team is a brilliant opportunity for me.

“City is an incredibly well-run football club. Everything they do is innovative, planned and purposeful.

“For a manager, that is a dream situation. It provides the consistency I need to do my job effectively.

“This will be my third spell here. I know this Club, I know the demands and I know the expectations.

“The quality of the people who work here is what makes it so special, and I want to thank them for showing faith in my ability.

“I cannot wait to start coaching the players.

“I want us to win, play good football and enjoy the pressure of representing Manchester City.”

Maresca’s appointment follows weeks of negotiations over a compensation package between City and Chelsea.

More to follow…