The 46-year-old Italian has agreed to return to the Etihad, with a formal announcement expected after Guardiola’s final game in charge against Aston Villa on Sunday.
Maresca is no stranger to the Etihad. He served as Guardiola’s assistant during City’s treble-winning 2022-23 campaign before leaving to manage Leicester, whom he guided to Premier League promotion in his only season in charge. ‘
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🚨🔵 BREAKING: Enzo Maresca has a total verbal agreement with Manchester City, HERE WE GO!
The Italian manager has always been considered the ideal candidate to replace Pep Guardiola.
Deal in place and Maresca will sign an initial three year deal at #MCFC. 🇮🇹
New era, soon. pic.twitter.com/njb3sXRl7w
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 19, 2026
He then succeeded Mauricio Pochettino at Chelsea in June 2024, winning the Conference League, the Club World Cup and securing Champions League qualification before departing in January following reported tensions with the club’s hierarchy.
Chelsea are understood to be preparing for a potential legal dispute over his appointment, unhappy with the circumstances of his departure and the impact it had on their season.
Guardiola himself has been among Maresca’s most vocal admirers. “One of the best managers in the world,” the Spaniard said. “The job he has done at Chelsea does not get enough credit.”
READ: Pep Guardiola set for City exit
Maresca arrives at City with Guardiola’s full endorsement, first-hand knowledge of the club’s methods and a coaching philosophy closely aligned with the blueprint that delivered six Premier League titles and a Champions League in a decade. He will not arrive with the same profile or track record – but City’s hierarchy know exactly who they are appointing.
Photo: Michael Regan/Getty Images
