Daijiworld Media Network - Manchester
Manchester, Jun 29: Manchester City on Monday confirmed the appointment of Italian coach Enzo Maresca as the club's new manager, handing him a three-year contract to lead the Premier League champions into a new era following the departure of Pep Guardiola.
The 46-year-old returns to the Etihad Stadium after previously serving as head coach of City's Elite Development Squad and later as Guardiola's assistant during the club's historic treble-winning campaign. His familiarity with City's football philosophy and working culture is expected to ease the transition after Guardiola's decade-long reign.
Expressing his excitement after taking charge, Maresca described the opportunity as one of the biggest moments of his coaching career.
"Manchester City is a club I know extremely well, and it is a privilege to become its manager. I am grateful for the trust the club has shown in me, and I look forward to working with this talented group of players. Our aim will be to play attractive football, compete for trophies and embrace the expectations that come with representing this club," he said.
Maresca's managerial journey has seen both challenges and successes. He began his senior coaching career with Parma in 2021, where his spell was brief after a difficult run of results.
He revived his reputation with Leicester City by guiding the club to the Championship title and securing an immediate return to the Premier League during the 2023-24 season.
His impressive work at Leicester earned him a move to Chelsea, where he oversaw the development of a youthful squad and helped the London club secure a fourth-place Premier League finish. During his tenure, Chelsea also lifted the UEFA Conference League and the FIFA Club World Cup before his tenure came to an end following differences with the club's ownership.
Maresca now steps into one of the most demanding roles in world football as he succeeds Guardiola, whose tenure transformed Manchester City into one of Europe's dominant clubs.
Guardiola announced earlier this year that he would leave the club after completing ten seasons in charge. During his remarkable spell, City won six Premier League titles, the UEFA Champions League and numerous domestic honours, while his final campaign concluded with triumphs in both the FA Cup and the League Cup.
The appointment marks the beginning of a new chapter for Manchester City, with Maresca tasked with maintaining the club's winning culture while building on the legacy left behind by one of the most successful managers in English football history.