Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak has expressed his admiration for new manager Enzo Maresca, highlighting the Italian's eagerness to take on the daunting task of succeeding Pep Guardiola. Speaking about the transition, Al Mubarak said Maresca "loves" the challenge, which he believes sets him apart from others who might be intimidated by the role.
Maresca's Return to City
Maresca, 46, has signed a three-year deal at the Etihad, marking his third spell at the club after serving as Under-21 coach and later as Guardiola's assistant. His rapid rise in just two years in Manchester left a strong impression on the City hierarchy, leading to discussions last season about his potential return as head coach while he was still at Chelsea.
Chelsea sources indicate that Maresca's desire to return to City was so strong that he was willing to leave Stamford Bridge, resulting in a messy departure at the end of 2025. City ultimately paid £17 million in compensation to Chelsea to secure his appointment, underscoring the club's determination to bring him back.
Khaldoon's Confidence in Maresca
Al Mubarak praised Maresca's football philosophy and leadership, stating: "I think Enzo brings a lot to this club. I'm very excited, honestly, about Enzo and I think the fans will appreciate him as a manager, his football philosophy, his football and how the team is going to perform and go from strength to strength with Maresca's leadership."
The chairman acknowledged the magnitude of replacing Guardiola, one of the greatest managers in football history, but emphasized Maresca's unique mindset: "This is a big challenge – this scares off many people. The beauty with Enzo is he actually wants that challenge; he loves that challenge."
A Familiar Face for a New Era
Al Mubarak also highlighted Maresca's deep connection to the club, noting: "Enzo is very known to us and we've always been, I would say, very, very attracted by his football, by his mind, by his humanity. He's another very, very special individual and we've seen him evolve as a manager."
City's willingness to wait for Maresca and pay a significant compensation fee reflects their confidence in his ability to maintain the club's success. The Italian's previous stints at City, combined with his recent experience at Chelsea, have prepared him for the challenge of leading a team accustomed to winning under Guardiola.
