Key facts
- Enzo Maresca has been appointed as the new manager of Manchester City.
- Maresca signed a three-year contract with the club.
- Manchester City reportedly paid £17 million to Chelsea for Maresca.
- Maresca personally paid an undisclosed compensation fee to Chelsea.
- Chelsea expressed disappointment with Maresca's mid-season departure.
Enzo Maresca has been appointed as the new manager of Manchester City, signing a three-year contract to succeed Pep Guardiola. The deal was finalized after Maresca personally paid compensation to his former club, Chelsea, who also received a reported £17 million from Manchester City. Chelsea released a statement expressing disappointment with Maresca's "unexpected and abrupt" mid-season resignation, noting that a confidential settlement was reached with both the former coach and Manchester City. Maresca, 46, previously worked as an assistant to Guardiola at City during the 2022-23 season before managing Leicester City, leading them to promotion, and then Chelsea. He expressed excitement about returning to Manchester City, citing the club's well-run structure and innovative approach as a "dream situation" for a manager. City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak welcomed Maresca back, highlighting his personality, passion, and intelligence as aligning with the club's ambitions. Chelsea has since appointed Xabi Alonso as Maresca's replacement.