Today's Edition
KUUMAR SHYAM (ABU DHABI)
Manchester City have appointed Enzo Maresca as their new manager on a three-year contract, keeping the Italian at the Etihad Stadium until the summer of 2029.
Club chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak led the praise for the returning coach, stating that Maresca possesses a "personality, passion and intelligence completely aligned with the club's needs".
"Enzo is someone who has always sought out opportunities to challenge himself and succeed in his managerial career," he added.
"He is re-joining an organisation that is entirely in lockstep with his ambition and hunger for achievement and his return to Manchester City is therefore a welcome natural next step for both him and the club."
Maresca, who replaces his former colleague Pep Guardiola, expressed his immense pride at taking the helm for what will be his third spell in Manchester.
"Enzo inherits a squad and football organisation perfectly suited to reflect and evolve his brand of football, and we are all very much looking forward to seeing the impact he can have in building on the club's success," Al Mubarak said.
The 46-year-old manager initially joined City in 2020, guiding the Elite Development Squad to the Premier League 2 title before serving as Guardiola's assistant during the historic treble-winning campaign in 2022-2023.
He then led Leicester City to the Championship title and enjoyed a highly successful stint at Chelsea, where he secured European silverware and the FIFA Club World Cup.
"Everything they [City] do is innovative, planned and purposeful," said Maresca.
"For a manager, that is a dream situation. It provides the consistency I need to do my job effectively.
"The quality of the people who work here is what makes it so special, and I want to thank them for showing faith in my ability. I cannot wait to start coaching the players. I want us to win, play good football and enjoy the pressure of representing Manchester City."
Chief Executive Officer Ferran Soriano who shares a common bond with both Maresca and Guardiola, said Maresca's track record speaks for itself.
