Enzo Maresca has been appointed as Manchester City’s new head coach on a three-year contract, ending months of speculation over Pep Guardiola’s successor.
The 46-year-old Italian, who resigned from Chelsea on January 1, will return to the Etihad Stadium for a third spell, having previously served as Guardiola’s assistant during the treble-winning 2022-23 season.
Chelsea have released a furious statement accusing Maresca of letting the club down. The club claimed the Italian informed them in autumn 2025 that there “might be an opportunity for him to succeed Pep Guardiola” at the end of the season.
“Obviously, we felt let down as we believed that his head and heart were focused on another club and another opportunity, despite having just arrived at Chelsea the year before,” the statement read.
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Chelsea said Maresca “unexpectedly and abruptly resigned” in December 2025. The club described his departure as a “major contributing factor” to a “hugely disappointing” 2025/26 campaign.
Manchester City have paid Chelsea £17 million in compensation. Maresca also agreed a personal settlement with his former club.
Maresca apologised for the disruption caused by his mid-season exit. “The decision was only mine,” he said. “My resignation from Chelsea opened a path for me to join Manchester City, which is a club I knew very well”.
City sources say they have no ill feelings towards Chelsea. The club have backed Maresca to continue Guardiola’s philosophy.
Chelsea, who finished 10th last season, have already appointed Xabi Alonso as their new manager.
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