GistReel
Former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has reportedly signed a three-year contract with Manchester City ahead of succeeding Pep Guardiola at the Etihad Stadium.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the Italian coach has agreed a deal that will keep him at City until 2029 following Guardiola’s departure from the club on Sunday.
Maresca is also expected to play a major role in recruitment decisions as City prepare for a new era after Guardiola’s successful 10-year spell in Manchester.
Guardiola era comes to an end
Guardiola officially ended his time at City after winning 17 major trophies, including six Premier League titles, the Champions League, three FA Cups and five League Cups.
The Spaniard spoke positively about the club’s future during his farewell event on Monday.
“Everything will be fine. Everything,” Guardiola said.
“I’m pretty sure, knowing the people here.”
The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich coach also backed the club hierarchy to support his successor.
“When the club tells me who it is going to be, I will call him,” Guardiola added.
“But the club will support him unconditionally, which is the biggest compliment.”
Despite the growing reports, Manchester City have insisted no final agreement has yet been completed regarding Guardiola’s replacement.
Maresca returns to familiar surroundings
Maresca previously worked under Guardiola as part of Manchester City’s coaching staff before leaving to become manager of Leicester City.
He later joined Chelsea ahead of the 2024-25 campaign but was dismissed less than two years later after a difficult spell at Stamford Bridge.
The 46-year-old managed 92 matches at Chelsea, recording 55 wins, 16 draws and 21 defeats.
Reports also claimed Maresca clashed with Chelsea’s board in the weeks leading up to his exit, while speculation linking him with Guardiola’s role had already intensified before his dismissal.