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Former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has reportedly completed a three-year contract to succeed Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.
The Premier League giants moved quickly to secure their former assistant manager following confirmation of Guardiola’s departure, bringing stability to the Etihad Stadium ahead of an imminent official announcement.
City Secure Swift Succession
City’s hierarchy have decisively ended their managerial search after confirming Guardiola’s summer departure.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Maresca has signed a three-year deal to take over the Etihad seat.
The Italian tactician, who previously served as Guardiola’s assistant before enjoying spells at Leicester City and Chelsea, was immediately identified as the prime target to inherit the mantle from his former mentor.
Guardiola promises unconditional support
Guardiola leaves a monumental legacy in Manchester after securing 20 trophies in ten glorious years and ending his final campaign with a domestic cup double.
Offering guidance to his soon-to-be successor, the outgoing Catalan chief urged the next deal to remain completely steadfast.
Guardiola said: “When the club tells me who it is, of course I will call him. I will tell him: ‘Be yourself and the club will support you unconditionally’.
“It’s the biggest compliment or the biggest luck that all the managers who have been here have had. You will be protected in the bad moments more than any other club. Be yourself, be free, go with your ideas. Work hard and everything will be good.”
The Squad Regeneration Project continues
Maresca inherits an incredibly healthy team that is already undergoing a comprehensive long-term structural overhaul.
During the final 18 months of Guardiola’s tenure, Etihad leaders aggressively integrated young elite profiles, recruiting Rayan Cherki, Abdukodir Khusanov, Marc Guehi and Antoine Semenyo.
The incoming manager will immediately be given a central role in leading the club’s upcoming summer recruitment strategy as City look to reclaim the top-flight crown following their second-place finish in 2025-26.
Transfer targets and planning before the season
Maresca must quickly navigate a demanding summer transfer window to refine specific tactical areas within his inherited squad.
Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson has already emerged as a prime target to bolster the midfield ranks ahead of pre-season preparations.
Maresca’s immediate challenge will involve dealing with immense external pressure while implementing his own possession-based philosophy before leading his new team into a grueling multi-front campaign.
2026 FIFA World Cup: How to watch
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will run from June 11 to July 19, 2026. Spread over three countries, the tournament will culminate with the final on July 19 at the New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. All 104 tournament games will be broadcast live across FOX (70) and FS1 (34) with every game streaming live and on-demand on both FOX One and the FOX Sports app. A record 40 games, more than a third of the tournament, are televised in prime time across FOX (21) and FS1 (19).
The June 11 opener between Mexico and South Africa (3 p.m. ET) will stream for free on Tubi, as will the USA’s June 12 opener against Paraguay (9 p.m. ET).
