Enzo Maresca – From Chelsea Exit to Manchester City Return

Enzo Maresca has returned to Manchester City as first-team manager, taking over from Pep Guardiola on 29 June 2026. The Italian coach previously led Chelsea to two trophies before a sudden, disputed departure in January 2026. His career includes a Championship title with Leicester City and a deep tactical education under Guardiola.

Where Is Enzo Maresca Now?

• Maresca is regarded as one of the most promising Italian managers of his generation, shaped by Guardiola’s philosophy.
• His sudden appointment and departure at Chelsea underscore the volatility of Premier League management.
• The Championship triumph with Leicester City in 2023-24 remains his defining managerial achievement.
• He has been consistently linked with Manchester City, first as an assistant and now as Guardiola’s successor.
• His coaching journey spans Italy, England, and Spain, demonstrating adaptability across leagues.
• Maresca is the first Italian manager to take charge of Manchester City in the club’s modern era.

What Teams Has Enzo Maresca Coached? (Full Managerial Career)

Early Coaching Roles

Maresca began his coaching career at Ascoli in 2017 before moving to Sevilla’s U19 side. He then served as an assistant for Sevilla’s first team. In 2020 he returned to Manchester City as Elite Development Squad coach, winning the Premier League 2 title. A brief stint at Parma in 2021 ended without promotion to Serie A, according to Planet Sport.

Manchester City Assistant Manager (2022–2023)

Maresca worked directly under Pep Guardiola as assistant manager during the 2022-23 season. This period was foundational for his tactical development, and he is frequently described as part of the Guardiola coaching tree alongside Mikel Arteta and Vincent Kompany.

Leicester City Success

Appointed head coach of Leicester City in 2023, Maresca led the club to the EFL Championship title in 2024, securing immediate promotion back to the Premier League. This achievement is widely considered the high point of his managerial career so far. Read more in the full career profile.

Chelsea Tenure

Maresca joined Chelsea on a five-year deal starting 1 July 2024, as documented by BBC Sport. In his first season he won the UEFA Conference League and the FIFA Club World Cup. However, his second season saw a sharp decline in results and growing tensions with the club’s ownership.

Return to Manchester City (June 2026)

On 29 June 2026, Maresca officially returned to Manchester City on a three-year contract, replacing Pep Guardiola. This marks his first senior head coach role at the club where he previously served as assistant and EDS coach.

Why Did Chelsea Sack Enzo Maresca?

The Departure Timeline

Maresca left Chelsea on 1 January 2026, less than six months after winning the FIFA Club World Cup. The club described the exit as a mutual agreement, but a legal dispute has since emerged over whether he was sacked or resigned, as reported by BBC Sport.

Performance and Tensions

Results had deteriorated sharply before the departure. Chelsea managed only one win in seven league matches leading into December 2025. According to ESPN, tensions with owners Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital had been escalating since summer 2025, with Maresca publicly criticizing the club’s strategic direction.

Legal Dispute

The exact nature of the exit remains contested. The official statement from Chelsea says the club and head coach parted company, but reports indicate a disagreement over whether Maresca resigned or was dismissed. This ambiguity has led to ongoing legal discussions between the parties.

What Trophies Has Enzo Maresca Won as a Manager?

EFL Championship (2024) – Leicester City

Maresca’s Leicester side dominated the Championship, securing automatic promotion with games to spare. The title was his first as a senior head coach and established his reputation as a tactically astute leader capable of rebuilding a team. For more details on his early successes, explore the Leicester City title win.

UEFA Conference League (2025) – Chelsea

In his debut season at Chelsea, Maresca guided the club to victory in the UEFA Conference League, adding European silverware to his resume.

FIFA Club World Cup (2025) – Chelsea

Later in 2025, Chelsea won the FIFA Club World Cup under Maresca, giving him a second trophy in less than a year at the club. The achievement was overshadowed by the turbulent months that followed.

When did Enzo Maresca return to Manchester City?

1. 10 February 1980 – Born in Salerno, Italy.
2. 2000s – Senior playing career at Juventus, Sevilla, West Bromwich Albion, and others.
3. 2017 – Begins coaching career at Ascoli.
4. 2017–2018 – Manager of Sevilla U19s.
5. 2018–2019 – Assistant coach at Sevilla first team.
6. 2020–2021 – Elite Development Squad coach at Manchester City; wins Premier League 2.
7. 2021 – Head coach of Parma (brief tenure).
8. 2022–2023 – Assistant manager at Manchester City under Pep Guardiola.
9. 2023–2024 – Head coach of Leicester City; wins EFL Championship and promotion.
10. July 2024 – Jan 2026 – Head coach of Chelsea; wins UEFA Conference League and FIFA Club World Cup.
11. 1 January 2026 – Departs Chelsea amid legal dispute over sacking or resignation.
12. 29 June 2026 – Returns to Manchester City as first-team manager on a three-year deal.

What is known and uncertain about Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea exit?

What Is Enzo Maresca’s Relationship With Pep Guardiola?

Maresca served as assistant manager to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City during the 2022-23 season. This followed an earlier stint as Elite Development Squad coach, where Guardiola oversaw the club’s broader coaching structure. The two maintain a well-documented professional relationship, with Guardiola praising Maresca’s tactical intelligence.

Maresca’s coaching style reflects clear Guardiola influences: possession-based football, a high press, and positional play. He is frequently grouped with Mikel Arteta and Vincent Kompany as part of the Guardiola coaching tree. His return to Manchester City as Guardiola’s successor formalizes a succession plan that had been speculated about for several years.

The relationship extends beyond mere mentorship. Maresca has cited Guardiola as the single biggest influence on his coaching philosophy. Their partnership at City during a treble-winning season provided Maresca with firsthand experience of managing elite talent at the highest level.

What official sources document Enzo Maresca’s career?

“Enzo Maresca has returned to Manchester City having been appointed as successor to Pep Guardiola as first team manager.”

– Manchester City Feature

“Chelsea Football Club and Head Coach Enzo Maresca have parted company.”

– Chelsea Official Statement

“Enzo Maresca Conference League winner 1 FIFA Club World Cup winner.”

– Transfermarkt

Is Enzo Maresca a good manager?

Maresca is generally considered a promising and talented manager. His Championship title with Leicester City is widely regarded as a significant achievement, demonstrating his ability to rebuild a team and secure promotion. His first season at Chelsea, which yielded two trophies, further supports his credentials. The turbulence of his second season at Chelsea, however, raises questions about his ability to manage club politics and sustain performance under pressure. His return to Manchester City as Guardiola’s successor represents a major vote of confidence in his potential.

Frequently Asked Questions