Manchester City are on the verge of appointing Enzo Maresca as their next manager, with a three-year contract expected to be finalized in the coming days. Talks between the club and the Italian coach continued throughout the week, focusing on the finer points of his appointment, including the timeline, backroom staff composition, and other logistical details. While reports of an imminent announcement have surfaced, sources close to the negotiations indicate that not all contractual terms are yet fully agreed.
Maresca is no stranger to the Etihad. He served as Pep Guardiola's assistant during the historic 2022/23 season when City clinched a treble of Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League titles. That experience forged a deep understanding of the club's tactical philosophy and dressing-room culture, making him a logical candidate to succeed Guardiola. After leaving City, Maresca embarked on his own managerial journey, most recently taking charge of Chelsea, but his tenure in west London ended acrimoniously in January, leaving him with three-and-a-half years still remaining on his contract.
The departure of Guardiola has triggered a wider exodus from City's coaching staff. On Tuesday, the club confirmed that assistants Pep Ljinders and Kolo Toure, along with Lorenzo Buenaventura, Manel Estiarte, and Xabi Mancisidor, are all leaving the Etihad. This mass clearout effectively paves the way for Maresca to bring in his own trusted lieutenants, a critical aspect of the ongoing discussions. The rebuild of the backroom team will be essential for continuity and implementing a new vision while respecting the foundations laid by Guardiola.
However, the deal is not without its legal entanglements. Maresca was under contract at Chelsea until the summer of 2029, and his premature exit means the London club are closely monitoring the situation. Compensation remains a sticking point, with Chelsea lawyers likely to pursue a settlement. Maresca had informed Chelsea last autumn that City had shown interest in him as a potential Guardiola successor, a disclosure that could influence any legal wrangling over the financial obligations of his next employer.
Former Arsenal and England midfielder Paul Merson, now a Sky Sports pundit, offered his take on the impending appointment. He believes Maresca ticks all the right boxes: “I liked him at Chelsea. I thought he was a good manager. He's going into Man City, he's been there before, he's worked in the Premier League before. He knows some of the players at City. I think he ticks every box.” Merson emphasized that Maresca’s familiarity with the club and the league would accelerate his settling-in period, avoiding the steep learning curve that often hampers foreign coaches.
Yet the pundit also highlighted the pressing need for squad reinforcements. “They'll need a few players,” Merson noted. “But this is the problem: Liverpool, Arsenal, Man City, Man United, Chelsea all need players. There's not that many players around. Who's going to be able to produce and give the most money to these players?” This observation underscores the broader competitive landscape: multiple elite clubs are in a cycle of renewal, and the transfer market this summer is expected to be fiercely contested for a limited pool of top-tier talent.
For City, the stakes transcend a mere managerial change. Guardiola’s departure marks the end of an era that delivered unprecedented domestic dominance and a long-awaited European crown. Maresca’s appointment signals a desire for continuity—someone who can preserve the possession-based, high-pressing identity while injecting fresh ideas. His brief stint at Chelsea showed glimpses of tactical acumen and a willingness to develop young players, traits that will be essential as City navigate a potential squad overhaul post-Guardiola.
The looming compensation battle adds a layer of uncertainty. If Chelsea demand a substantial fee—potentially in the region of the remaining value on Maresca’s contract—it could delay the official announcement or strain City’s summer budget. However, both clubs are accustomed to high-stakes negotiations, and a compromise is likely to be reached to avoid a protracted dispute. Once resolved, the path will be clear for Maresca to begin shaping his squad and implementing pre-season plans.
From a Premier League perspective, City’s next move will have ripple effects. Their continued presence at the summit is no longer a given, with Arsenal and Liverpool closing the gap, and Manchester United and Chelsea in rebuild mode. Maresca’s ability to maintain standards while integrating new signings will be tested from day one. Moreover, his relationship with the existing core—many of whom he coached during the treble campaign—could be a decisive factor in ensuring a smooth transition.
As the football world awaits official confirmation, one thing is clear: Enzo Maresca’s return to Manchester is more than a sentimental reunion. It is a calculated gamble to sustain excellence in a highly competitive environment. With the legal issue pending, all eyes are on the Etihad, where the Guardiola succession plan is entering its final, decisive chapter.
Based on reporting from Sky Sports.