Enzo Maresca returns to Manchester City as new head coach

By Rohan Gupta — 29 June 2026 — 3 min read

Maresca’s return to Manchester City

Enzo Maresca has been appointed as the new head coach of Manchester City, marking his third tenure with the club. He has signed a three-year contract that extends until the summer of 2029. Maresca previously served as an assistant to Pep Guardiola during City’s Treble-winning 2022-23 campaign and also led the club’s Elite Development Squad in the 2020-21 season.

Maresca expressed his familiarity with Manchester City, stating it is a club he knows well and that managing the team presents a significant opportunity. He highlighted the club’s innovative and purposeful approach, which he described as an ideal situation for a manager, providing the consistency needed for effective work. He also acknowledged the demands and expectations associated with the role.

Manchester City Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak commented on Maresca’s appointment, noting his ambition and hunger for achievement. Al Mubarak believes Maresca’s personality, passion, and intelligence align with the club’s needs. He also mentioned that Maresca’s return is a natural progression for both the coach and the club, anticipating his positive impact on the team’s continued success.

Chief Executive Officer Ferran Soriano described Maresca as the standout candidate, emphasizing his personality, vision for football, integrity, charisma, and passion. Soriano also pointed to Maresca’s track record, including his success at Chelsea and Leicester, and his contributions to the Treble season as an assistant. The club has pledged to provide Maresca with the necessary support to succeed in his new role.

Tactical approach and immediate priorities

Maresca’s coaching philosophy is influenced by both Italian and Spanish football. His exposure to Guardiola’s Barcelona during his playing career, particularly while at Sevilla and Malaga, opened his eyes to a new style of play that emphasized technical, possession-based football. His former manager, Manuel Pellegrini, also recognized his potential as a coach during his playing days.

The new head coach sees himself as a master tactician who values control. His teams typically line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, aiming to dominate possession, prevent counter-attacks, and maintain a strong presence. This approach shares similarities with Guardiola’s style, requiring physical players in attack to press opponents and win the ball high up the pitch. Maresca’s tactical innovations were evident during his time as an assistant, including the rebranding of John Stones as a central midfielder during the Treble-winning season.

Maresca’s immediate agenda includes addressing key player contracts and potential new signings. With midfielder Rodri entering the final year of his contract at Etihad Stadium, securing a new deal for the Spain captain will be a priority. The club is also expected to confirm the arrival of England midfielder Elliot Anderson and is looking to sign a new right-back. There have been discussions about Chelsea‘s Malo Gusto potentially reuniting with Maresca, and Lille‘s Ayyoub Bouaddi has also been linked with the club.

Another decision for Maresca involves his number one goalkeeper, as he prefers a shot-stopper who is proficient with their feet. He will need to assess whether Gianluigi Donnarumma retains his position or if James Trafford will be given an opportunity to establish himself as a regular first-team player. Maresca’s tactical acumen is further highlighted by his 7,000-word thesis on the similarities between football and chess, written at Italy‘s Coverciano institute, where he compared football strategy to grandmaster chess.

Expectations and influences

Manchester City insiders have spoken positively about Maresca, and he is expected to continue the club’s established philosophy under Guardiola. Guardiola achieved 20 trophies during his decade-long tenure, setting a high standard for Maresca to follow. The new head coach views this as a significant challenge, one he is eager to embrace.

Maresca’s influences extend beyond football, as he consults with figures like Argentine-Italian volleyball coach Julio Velasco and basketball coach Ettore Messina for fresh ideas. He is also known to be studying artificial intelligence. His assistants, Willy Caballero and Danny Walker, are anticipated to rejoin him at Manchester City.

Players are scheduled to report for pre-season on July 20, with those involved in the World Cup receiving additional time off.

Source: bbc.com