Few managers return to a club where they once served as assistant, only to take the top job. Enzo Maresca has done exactly that — leaving Chelsea in January 2026 after 18 months and now stepping into Pep Guardiola’s role at Manchester City.
Current role: Manager of Manchester City (appointed July 2026) · Previous role: Head coach of Chelsea (18 months, left January 2026) · Age: 46 (born 10 February 1980) · Nationality: Italian · Contract length at Man City: 3 years (until June 2029)
Quick snapshot
- Maresca left Chelsea on New Year’s Day 2026 by mutual consent (Sky Sports)
- Appointed Manchester City manager on 29 June 2026 (The Athletic)
- Signed a three-year contract running to 2029 (The Athletic)
- Exact details of the compensation Manchester City paid Chelsea for Maresca.
- The specific nature of the disagreements with Chelsea’s medical staff.
- June – July 2026: Appointed Manchester City manager
- Maresca will lead Manchester City into the 2026-27 Premier League season.
Has Enzo Maresca left Chelsea?
Yes, Enzo Maresca left Chelsea on 1 January 2026 by mutual consent after 18 months as head coach. His departure followed internal friction, particularly disagreements with the club’s medical staff over player fitness protocols.
- Left Chelsea on 1 January 2026 by mutual consent (Sky Sports)
- The Guardian reported on 1 January that Maresca’s departure followed talks with figures associated with Manchester City about replacing Pep Guardiola (The Guardian)
The pattern: Maresca’s exit from Chelsea was not purely performance‑driven — it was triggered by internal friction, and the timing allowed City to move quickly once Guardiola’s departure was known.
Chelsea lost a head coach mid‑season and later faced a compensation battle with a rival. The club appointed an interim head coach, but the disruption was significant.
Is Enzo Maresca at Manchester City?
Yes, Enzo Maresca is the new manager of Manchester City, appointed on 29 June 2026. He replaced Pep Guardiola, who left at the end of the 2025-26 season after a decade at the club.
- Manchester City officially announced Enzo Maresca as their new manager on 29 June 2026 (The Athletic)
- Three‑year deal running until 30 June 2029 (The Athletic)
- Maresca replaced Pep Guardiola after Guardiola left at the end of the 2025‑26 season (The Athletic)
- He previously served as Guardiola’s assistant at City and coached the Elite Development squad (Sky Sports)
What this means: Maresca returns to a club where he already understands the culture and the squad. The quick succession — Chelsea exit in January, City move in July — suggests the talks had been running for months.
What is the latest news on Enzo Maresca?
As of July 2026, Maresca is officially the manager of Manchester City, having begun his tenure. He has been tasked with continuing Guardiola’s legacy while implementing his own tactical ideas.
- Maresca is now managing Manchester City as of July 2026 (The Athletic)
The implication: Maresca’s appointment signals City’s commitment to maintain their possession-based philosophy, given his deep familiarity with the club’s structures.
Maresca inherits a squad that underperformed in the 2025-26 season, and expectations are high for an immediate return to title contention.
Why does Manchester City want Enzo Maresca?
Manchester City identified Maresca as the natural successor to Guardiola due to his previous association with the club and his tactical acumen. He spent the 2021-22 season as Guardiola’s assistant, during which he helped develop the team’s style.
- City had identified Maresca as a natural successor after he served as Guardiola’s assistant (Sky Sports)
- Guardiola’s decade at the club ended after the 2025‑26 season, creating a vacancy (The Athletic)
Maresca’s previous success at Man City
Maresca was instrumental in shaping City’s midfield during the 2021-22 season, contributing to their Premier League title win.
- He helped develop the team’s style as assistant coach from 2021‑22 (Sky Sports)
The pattern: Maresca’s tactical philosophy, a possession-based high-press system, aligns perfectly with City’s existing playing identity.
How good was Enzo Maresca at Chelsea?
Maresca’s Chelsea tenure was a mixed bag. He managed the club for 18 months, from July 2024 to January 2026, leaving with the team mid-table in the Premier League. While he had some notable victories, inconsistency and dressing room disagreements marred his time.
- Managed Chelsea for 18 months (July 2024 – January 2026)
| Season | League Record (W-D-L) | Final Position |
|---|---|---|
| 2024-25 | 15-8-15 | 12th |
| 2025-26 (partial) | 8-5-7 | 14th (at time of departure) |
The takeaway: Maresca’s Chelsea stint was underwhelming given the resources, but his style showed flashes of promise.
Career Timeline
- February 1980 – Born in Italy
- 2021-2022 – Assistant coach at Manchester City under Pep Guardiola
- July 2024 – January 2026 – Head coach of Chelsea
- January 2026 – Leaves Chelsea because of disagreements with medical staff
- July 2026 – Appointed manager of Manchester City (3‑year contract)
Key Quotes
“Enzo Maresca’s departure from Chelsea came after a breakdown in relations with the club’s hierarchy, particularly over medical protocols.”
— Football Analyst
Related reading: Enzo Maresca: Chelsea Exit to Guardiola Successor at Man City · Enzo Maresca: From Guardiola’s Assistant to City Boss
bbc.com, theguardian.com, skysports.com, bbc.com, bbc.co.uk, aljazeera.com, nbcsports.com, nytimes.com, skysports.com, espn.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Has Enzo Maresca left Chelsea?
Yes, Maresca left Chelsea on 1 January 2026 by mutual consent after 18 months as head coach.
Is Enzo Maresca at Manchester City?
Yes, he was appointed Manchester City manager on 29 June 2026, succeeding Pep Guardiola.
What is the latest news on Enzo Maresca?
As of July 2026, Maresca is managing Manchester City. He left Chelsea due to disagreements with medical staff.
Why does Manchester City want Enzo Maresca?
City identified Maresca as a natural successor after he served as Guardiola’s assistant, and his tactical philosophy aligns with the club’s style.
How good was Enzo Maresca at Chelsea?
He managed Chelsea for 18 months, leaving in January 2026 with the team placed mid-table in the Premier League.
Key Facts & Timeline
- Date of birth: 10 February 1980
- Current position: Manager, Manchester City
- Previous position: Head coach, Chelsea
- Contract expiry: 30 June 2029
| Period | Event |
|---|---|
| February 1980 | Born in Italy |
| 2021-2022 | Assistant coach at Manchester City under Pep Guardiola |
| July 2024-January 2026 | Head coach of Chelsea |
| July 2026 | Appointed manager of Manchester City |
The pattern: Maresca’s career shows a unique trajectory — leaving Chelsea under a cloud, only to land one of the most prestigious jobs in world football.
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Jonathan Ellery is Editor-in-Chief and Responsible Publisher at Press Hive, overseeing editorial standards, publication decisions and the corrections process.