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Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak has outlined the three qualities that persuaded him to appoint Enzo Maresca as the new manager, succeeding Pep Guardiola.

The former Chelsea and Leicester City manager now faces the enormous challenge of stepping into the role left vacant by Guardiola, City’s most successful coach, who departed at the end of the season after clinching six Premier League titles and a Champions League during a decade filled with trophies.

At 46, Maresca is far from a newcomer to the club. He previously served as Guardiola’s assistant during the 2022/23 season and has also managed Manchester City’s elite development squad.

After leaving Manchester City, Maresca moved to Leicester City, where he achieved promotion from the Championship, before taking charge at Chelsea. During his tenure at Stamford Bridge, he guided the team to victories in the Conference League and the Club World Cup. However, his stint ended abruptly following a breakdown in relations with the club’s board.

That turbulent ending did not deter Manchester City. Al Mubarak expressed his satisfaction at bringing back someone who understands the club’s culture and possesses three specific attributes he had been seeking in a manager.

“Enzo is very well known to us, and we’ve always been deeply impressed by his footballing intelligence, his mindset, and his humanity,” said Al Mubarak. “He has been part of this club, part of its success, and someone everyone here knows well. He knows us equally well and has always been part of this family.”

“He contributed to the academy’s success and was part of the treble-winning team – one of the most significant sides in the club’s history,” the chairman continued. “He’s a very special person, and we’ve seen him grow as a manager. He doesn’t shy away from challenges – from taking charge at Leicester to managing a major club like Chelsea and securing key titles.”

Al Mubarak further emphasised that Maresca’s familiarity with the club and his footballing philosophy will ensure a seamless transition. “I think Enzo is an excellent fit for this team. Many of the players already know him; some have been coached by him in the youth squads – Nico O’Reilly, for instance. He understands every layer of the club, so the transition will be smooth. Most importantly, his style of play aligns closely with ours, though he brings his own philosophy as well.”

Although Maresca’s managerial approach has been shaped by his time under Guardiola, Al Mubarak believes he will add his personal touch to the role. “He was one of Pep’s assistants at one stage, and of course, he has absorbed a lot of inspiration from Pep’s philosophy – you can see that in his football,” the chairman explained.

“But he has also developed his own ideas. Enzo brings a lot to Manchester City. I’m genuinely excited about his appointment, and I believe the supporters will embrace him for his tactical insight, his style of play, and how the team will continue to progress under his leadership.”

Concluding his remarks, Al Mubarak acknowledged the scale of the challenge Maresca is taking on but praised his willingness to face it head-on. “This is a huge challenge – one that would intimidate many. What I admire most about Enzo is that he thrives on that challenge; he genuinely loves it.”