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Enzo Maresca agrees terms to take over from Pep Guardiola at Manchester City

Enzo Maresca has agreed terms to replace Pep Guardiola as Manchester City manager, following Guardiola’s impending departure at season’s end.

Oliver Obel

·

May 19, 2026

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Enzo Maresca has reached an agreement to become the next manager of Manchester City, stepping into the formidable shoes of Pep Guardiola. The news, reported by GIVEMESPORT, confirms a succession plan that has been weeks, if not months, in the making, following widespread reports on Monday night that Guardiola will depart the Etihad Stadium at the end of the current season.

Maresca, who left Chelsea at the beginning of January, has long been identified as the primary candidate to replace Guardiola. His previous stint as Guardiola’s assistant during the 2022/23 season provided him with intimate knowledge of City’s operations and philosophy. After his time at City, Maresca took on his first managerial role with Leicester City before moving to Stamford Bridge. He resigned from Chelsea on New Year’s Eve, despite having raised the possibility of signing a new contract earlier in the season.

During his time away from the dugout, Maresca spent time in London and on a family break in the Maldives, dedicating himself to studying football trends and drawing insights from various sports figures, including volleyball coach Julio Velasco. He was approached by clubs from the Premier League, La Liga, and Serie A, with Juventus contacting him while he was still at Chelsea. Manchester City also made contact with Maresca during his tenure at Stamford Bridge, with the synergy between his vision and the club’s project proving a significant draw.

Guardiola’s final flourish

Guardiola’s departure comes despite his persistent claims that he had one year remaining on his contract. His final season at the helm has already seen Manchester City secure a domestic cup double, with an outside chance of making it a historic domestic treble.

The Premier League title race remains fiercely contested as City approaches the conclusion of the season. They currently sit five points behind leaders Arsenal, who secured a 1-0 victory over already relegated Burnley on Monday night. To have any hope of lifting the trophy, City must win both of their remaining fixtures: