​Manchester City have unveiled the backroom staff who will work with Enzo Maresca in the 2026-27 season at the Etihad Stadium. The Italian coach has moved quickly to shape the coaching framework around him, drawing on a blend of trusted collaborators from his past roles and specialists already embedded within City’s existing coaching setup. This appointment signals a clear intent from Maresca about the tactical approach and working culture he plans to establish as he begins to put his mark on the squad.
Hugo Viana, the club’s director of football, has been deeply involved in the broader staffing decisions across City’s football operation this summer, and the backroom confirmation forms part of a wider structural preparation ahead of pre-season under the new management regime. The changes come after Pep Guardiola’s departure at the end of last season triggered a thorough review of the first-team structure, which Viana and Maresca have been methodically addressing to ensure a smooth transition.
According to Manchester City, Maresca’s first-team coaching staff will include Roberto Vitiello, Willy Caballero, Danny Walker, Michele De Bernardin, Marcos Alvarez, Denis Silva and Javier Molina as the newly appointed members. In addition, set piece coach James French and goalkeeping coach Richard Wright will retain their roles from the 2025-26 campaign, providing continuity and a level of institutional knowledge as the new management setup settles in.
The inclusion of Willy Caballero is particularly notable given his previous playing history with City, a factor that could enhance his insight into the club’s culture and standards. His familiarity with the Etihad environment is expected to be a valuable asset as Maresca integrates his staff with the squad and cements the working practices he intends to implement. The retention of French and Wright is a deliberate choice, acknowledging the specialized expertise they bring to their respective disciplines while allowing Maresca the opportunity to tailor the rest of the coaching team to his preferences and the relationships he has built throughout his managerial career.
This strategic lineup of the backroom staff represents a significant step in Maresca’s early work at City, illustrating the managerial blueprint he aims to establish as he begins the process of moulding the squad in his image. The decision to combine new appointments with trusted continuity signals a balanced approach—one that respects the club’s existing knowledge and infrastructure while infusing it with Maresca’s own methods and philosophy. As the team prepares for pre-season, the focus will be on how effectively these coaches collaborate to translate Maresca’s tactical ideas into on-pitch performance, building a cohesive unit that can challenge for top honours in the 2026-27 campaign.