Manchester City and Enzo Maresca reach verbal agreement for managerial succession
The club has identified the former Chelsea manager as its preferred candidate to replace Pep Guardiola, with an initial three-season arrangement reportedly in place.
Manchester City have reached a verbal agreement with Enzo Maresca to succeed Pep Guardiola as manager, according to a report by journalist Fabrizio Romano on Tuesday. The Italian, aged 46, is confirmed as the club’s first choice following the official confirmation of Guardiola’s departure from the role.
The initial contract for Maresca is reported to span three seasons. This appointment marks a significant institutional shift for the Premier League side, as it formalises the leadership transition that has been anticipated for some time. Maresca brings prior experience to the organisation, having served as an assistant coach and youth team coach at Manchester City between 2020 and 2023.
Guardiola’s exit is expected to occur at the conclusion of the current campaign, following Sunday’s home fixture. The club has been planning for this succession for more than six months, with negotiations now considered to be at an advanced stage. Guardiola has publicly endorsed Maresca’s capabilities, describing him as one of the best managers in the world and highlighting the difficulty of his achievements with a young squad at Chelsea.
The anticipated departure has also prompted internal discussions regarding a permanent architectural tribute to Guardiola at the Etihad Stadium. This gesture reflects the club’s intent to formally acknowledge the long-standing tenure of the outgoing manager while securing the future of the institution under new leadership.
It is noted that the source material reporting the agreement was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence from an original Portuguese version. Consequently, the status of the arrangement remains a verbal understanding rather than a signed contract, pending final formalisation.
