The Maresca era begins at Manchester City

One era has closed and another has opened at Manchester City. Following Pep Guardiola's departure after ten years at the club, the English side have officially announced their new manager: Enzo Maresca. The Italian has signed a three-year contract running until 2029.

Maresca is no stranger to the Etihad Stadium. The 46-year-old, who has had two spells at City, took charge of the club's elite development squad (EDS) in 2020 before serving as Guardiola's assistant in the 2022-23 season. Having later managed Leicester City and Chelsea, Maresca now takes the seat vacated by his former mentor. To complete the move, City are set to pay Chelsea — where Maresca still had a contract at the time of his departure — a fee believed to be over £10 million.

The new manager inherits a squad in transition. Important names such as Bernardo Silva, John Stones and Ederson have left the club this summer, while most of Guardiola's backroom staff have also departed. Known for his track record of developing young talent and his possession-based, attacking philosophy, Maresca was seen by the City hierarchy as the ideal candidate to continue that identity.

A demanding summer awaits Maresca. At a City side that finished runners-up last season and are targeting the top again, the new manager has already begun discussing pre-season and transfer plans with director of football Hugo Viana; names on the agenda include Elliot Anderson and Enzo Fernández. The post-Guardiola era at the English club has officially begun.

Image: Planet Sport