Enzo Maresca has returned to Manchester City as the new head coach, succeeding Pep Guardiola. The Italian has signed a three-year deal, marking his return to the club after previously serving as Guardiola’s assistant during the 2022-23 Treble-winning campaign. Maresca’s appointment follows a mid-season departure from Chelsea, with reports indicating a compensation package was agreed upon between the clubs.
Maresca, who is 46 years old, described the role as a “huge challenge.” He stated that the club’s intention to maintain the same style of football and ideas was likely a key reason for his appointment. Maresca expressed his eagerness to win, play good football, and embrace the pressure of representing Manchester City.
Guardiola, who managed Manchester City for 10 years and secured 20 trophies, had previously referred to Maresca as “one of the best managers in the world.” The decision to appoint Maresca was made with Guardiola’s knowledge, according to individuals close to the situation. Outgoing sporting director Txiki Begiristain also reportedly recommended Maresca as Guardiola’s successor.
Maresca’s Coaching Philosophy and Journey
Maresca’s coaching approach is influenced by both Italian and Spanish football. His exposure to Guardiola’s Barcelona during his playing career at Sevilla and Malaga shaped his understanding of technical, possession-based football. His trusted assistant, Willy Caballero, also met Maresca in Spain.
Manuel Pellegrini, a former Manchester City and West Ham manager, identified Maresca’s coaching potential during his playing days. This background helps explain the similarities in philosophy between Maresca and Guardiola. City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak noted Maresca’s evolution of his own philosophy while drawing inspiration from Guardiola.
Maresca was an influential figure during his season as Guardiola’s assistant, contributing to tactical innovations such as the rebranding of John Stones as a central midfielder during the Treble-winning season. He also left a significant impression during his time as head coach of City’s Elite Development Squad in the 2020-21 season. Gareth Taylor, who worked with Maresca at City, highlighted Maresca’s freedom in setting up teams and his willingness to evolve tactically.
Despite his Spanish influences, Maresca’s Italian roots are also evident, having played under coaches like Carlo Ancelotti and Marcelo Lippi. After an initial managerial spell at Parma, he went on to manage Leicester City, guiding them back to the Premier League as champions. His success at Leicester led to his move to Chelsea.
At Chelsea, Maresca led the team to a fourth-place finish, securing both the Conference League and the FIFA Club World Cup. However, his tenure at Stamford Bridge ended abruptly midway through his second season, with Chelsea stating he expressed a strong desire to pursue the opportunity at Manchester City. Maresca acknowledged that his departure caused disruption for Chelsea and apologised for it.
Expectations and Immediate Priorities
City insiders have spoken positively about Maresca, and he is expected to continue Guardiola’s philosophy. Guardiola’s decade-long tenure established a winning culture at the club, which Maresca now aims to maintain. He views Manchester City as a well-run club with an innovative and purposeful approach, which he considers a dream situation for a manager.
City players are scheduled to report for pre-season on 20 July, with those who participated in the World Cup receiving additional time off. Maresca’s immediate priorities include addressing player contracts and potential new signings. One key task will be to try and secure a new deal for midfielder Rodri, whose contract is entering its final 12 months.
The club is also looking to sign a new right-back, with Chelsea’s Malo Gusto and Lille’s Ayyoub Bouaddi being linked. Additionally, Maresca will need to decide on his number one goalkeeper, considering his preference for goalkeepers who are adept with their feet. This decision could impact whether Gianluigi Donnarumma retains his position or if James Trafford gets an opportunity.
Maresca is known for his tactical approach, often deploying a 4-2-3-1 formation. His teams aim to dominate possession, prevent counter-attacks, and exhibit physicality in pressing high up the pitch, similar to Guardiola’s style. While at Chelsea and Leicester, he faced criticism for slow build-up play at times, but he typically employs fluid positional rotations to avoid stagnant attacks. This was evident in the Club World Cup final, where an asymmetric overlapping full-back strategy involving Malo Gusto created space for Cole Palmer in a 3-0 victory in New Jersey.
Maresca’s academic background includes a 7,000-word thesis on the similarities between football and chess, comparing grandmaster strategy to football at Italy’s Coverciano institute. He and his assistants, Caballero and Danny Walker, are expected to rejoin City with him. Maresca also seeks ideas outside of football, consulting with individuals like Argentine-Italian volleyball coach Julio Velasco and basketball coach Ettore Messina. He is also known to be studying artificial intelligence and attended a Leicester City home game against Norwich two months ago.
Guardiola announced his departure in May, having led City to numerous titles, including six Premier League titles and one Champions League crown. In his final season, Guardiola secured the League Cup and FA Cup.
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Source: bbc.com
