Boom! The wheels are finally in motion at the Etihad Stadium as Enzo Maresca is officially unveiled as Manchester City's new manager, taking on the monumental task of succeeding Pep Guardiola after a decade of unprecedented success. It's a bold move that sees City opt for a familiar face, bringing back Guardiola's former right-hand man to usher in a new era at the Etihad. Maresca's career so far is a rollercoaster ride of highs and lows, with significant triumphs aplenty – but also a brief, less successful initial foray into senior management that will be scrutinised under the microscope.
Maresca's most recent high-profile role was at Chelsea, where he arrived with a spring in his step after guiding Leicester City to promotion from the Championship. Under the stewardship of BlueCo ownership, he delivered immediate silverware, securing both the Conference League and the Club World Cup in his inaugural season. He also steered the team to a fourth-place finish in the Premier League, ensuring Champions League qualification for the first time in three years – a competition Chelsea had featured in for 18 of the prior 19 seasons. His second season at Stamford Bridge proved more challenging, with his departure on New Year's Day leaving the club fifth in the league table, though they subsequently dropped to tenth under his short-lived successor Liam Rosenior and interim boss Calum McFarlane. During his tenure, Maresca oversaw 55 wins from 92 matches (59.8%), alongside 16 draws and 21 defeats, with his sides scoring 191 goals and conceding 98. Notable periods included eight consecutive victories in late 2024 and 14 wins from 16 games to conclude the 2024-25 season, culminating in the Club World Cup triumph.
Prior to his spell at Stamford Bridge, Maresca made a significant impact in English football with Leicester City. He led the Foxes to Championship glory and immediate promotion back to the Premier League, achieving 31 wins from 46 league games and finishing with 97 points, just one ahead of second-placed Ipswich. His side spent all but three matchweeks from late September onwards at the top of the table, also reaching the FA Cup quarter-finals. His overall win rate at Leicester stood at an impressive 68%.
Maresca's managerial journey began with a brief, less successful stint at Parma in his native Italy, where he managed just four wins in 14 games before his dismissal in November 2021. Across all three clubs, Maresca boasts an overall record of 95 wins, 25 draws, and 39 losses from 159 matches, yielding a win ratio of 59.7%. His trophy cabinet includes the Championship with Leicester, and the Conference League and Club World Cup from his time at Chelsea. He also earned two Premier League Manager of the Month awards and four Championship equivalents. His teams have consistently scored, averaging 1.96 goals per game, while conceding 1.06.
Maresca's ties to Manchester City run deep, providing a unique understanding of the club's philosophy and structure. He previously led the club's elite development squad, winning Premier League 2 in the 2020-21 season. His connection was further solidified during his time as Guardiola's trusted lieutenant at the Etihad – a partnership that will undoubtedly be rekindled under his new tenure.