Manchester City are in advanced negotiations to appoint Enzo Maresca as their new manager, with an agreement anticipated imminently following Pep Guardiola's departure. The Italian tactician brings Premier League experience and familiarity with the club's structure, having served as assistant manager during the 2022-23 season when City won the Champions League.
Maresca's Track Record and Path to Manchester City
Maresca arrives at the Etihad after a spell at Chelsea, where he managed 92 matches across all competitions. His record in west London included 55 wins, 16 draws, and 21 defeats before departing in January under contentious circumstances. Before Chelsea, he guided Leicester City through 53 matches with an impressive 36 wins, demonstrating tactical acumen in rebuilding projects.
Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson backed the appointment, highlighting Maresca's advantages: "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. He's not coming in trying to get used to the place." Substantial compensation will be required to extract Maresca from his Chelsea contract, though negotiations are progressing toward resolution.
City's Backroom Exodus and New Era
Manchester City confirmed the departure of five key backroom staff members this week, signalling a comprehensive restructuring under new leadership. Pep Lijnders and Kolo Toure, both integral support figures, are leaving alongside fitness coach Lorenzo Buenaventura, operations director Manel Estiarte, and goalkeeping coach Xabi Mancisidor.
The departures follow a disappointing campaign where City failed to retain the Premier League title—Arsenal claimed that honour—and crashed out early in European competition. The club salvaged only the League Cup and FA Cup from their domestic efforts, their weakest return in years under Guardiola's management.
Once Maresca's appointment is formally announced, he will immediately rebuild his coaching staff and begin tactical preparations for the Premier League season, tasked with restoring City's championship pedigree after a transitional 12 months.
