Manchester City have officially unveiled the coaching team that will support new manager Enzo Maresca as the club begins a new chapter at the Etihad Stadium following the end of Pep Guardiola’s historic era.
Among the notable additions is former City goalkeeper Willy Caballero, who has returned to the club in a coaching capacity after previously enjoying a successful playing spell in Manchester. The Argentine joins Maresca’s technical team as the new manager prepares for the enormous challenge of maintaining City’s position among Europe’s elite clubs.
Caballero is a familiar figure to Manchester City supporters. The former goalkeeper represented the club between 2014 and 2017 after arriving from Spanish side Malaga. During his time at the Etihad, he made 48 appearances and became a fan favourite because of his professionalism, leadership and memorable performances.
One of his most iconic moments came during the 2015/16 League Cup final against Liverpool, where he became the hero of the penalty shootout. His outstanding display helped City lift the trophy and created one of the most unforgettable moments of his career.
The return to Manchester marks a new stage in Caballero’s football journey. After ending his playing career, the Argentine has moved into coaching, bringing valuable experience from his time competing at the highest level in England and Europe.
His relationship with Maresca also played an important role in the appointment. The pair previously crossed paths during their playing careers at Malaga under former Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini. That shared experience has now developed into a professional partnership as they prepare to lead City into a new era.
Maresca, who was appointed as Guardiola’s successor, has also brought several trusted members of his previous coaching teams to Manchester. The Italian coach wants to create an environment built around tactical organisation, player development and a clear football identity.
Roberto Vitiello has been appointed as Maresca’s assistant manager, continuing a working relationship that has developed over several years. The Italian coach previously worked alongside Maresca at Parma, Leicester City and Chelsea, making him a key figure in implementing the manager’s ideas at the Etihad.
Vitiello enjoyed a lengthy playing career in Italy before moving into coaching. His experience as a former defender has contributed to his understanding of tactical structures, defensive organisation and team preparation.
Other members of the new coaching setup include specialists responsible for goalkeeping, fitness, tactical analysis and first-team coaching. Michele De Bernardin has taken responsibility for goalkeeping development, while Marcos Alvarez has joined as first-team fitness coach.
Denis Silva and Javier Molina are also part of the new structure, bringing additional expertise in coaching and tactical analysis. Their previous experience working with Maresca is expected to help City players quickly adapt to the new manager’s philosophy.
Although Maresca has introduced several new faces, Manchester City have also maintained some continuity within the squad’s support system. Set-piece coach James French and goalkeeping coach Richard Wright will remain involved after contributing during the previous campaign.
The transition represents one of the biggest challenges in Manchester City’s modern history. Guardiola leaves behind a remarkable legacy after a decade filled with domestic and European success, including multiple Premier League titles and the club’s first Champions League triumph.
Replacing a manager of Guardiola’s influence will be a difficult task, but Maresca arrives with confidence and a reputation for developing attractive, possession-based football. His previous work at Leicester City and Chelsea helped strengthen his reputation as one of Europe’s promising young coaches.
For Caballero, the opportunity provides a chance to contribute to a club where he created lasting memories. His experience as a goalkeeper at the highest level could prove valuable in helping City’s younger players while supporting the development of the team’s goalkeeping department.
The former Argentina international also brings knowledge of different football cultures, having played in Argentina, Spain and England. His understanding of elite competition and dressing room dynamics could make him an important figure behind the scenes.
Manchester City’s immediate priority will be preparing for the new Premier League season and restoring their dominance after recent challenges. Maresca understands the pressure that comes with managing one of football’s biggest clubs, but he believes his carefully selected coaching team can help him succeed.
With a combination of trusted assistants, experienced former players and specialist coaches, City are building a structure designed to support Maresca’s vision. The return of Caballero adds another connection to the club’s past while helping shape the future at the Etihad Stadium.
As a new era begins, Manchester City supporters will be watching closely to see how Maresca and his team handle the responsibility of following one of football’s greatest managers.
