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Manchester City have officially announced the full coaching team that will assist new manager Enzo Maresca at the Etihad Stadium. Among the notable names is former goalkeeper and League Cup hero Willy Caballero, who makes a return to the club as part of Maresca’s refreshed backroom unit.

Caballero returns to Manchester City

The Premier League champions confirmed that Argentine goalkeeper Willy Caballero has joined Maresca’s first-team coaching staff. Caballero is a familiar figure to City fans, having played for the club between 2014 and 2017. During his stint, he made 48 appearances and earned legendary status for his performance in the 2015-16 League Cup final, where he starred in the penalty shootout victory over Liverpool.

Caballero and Maresca share a strong professional bond, dating back to their playing days at Malaga under then-manager Manuel Pellegrini, himself a former Manchester City boss. The Argentine now steps into his new coaching role alongside another returning member, Danny Walker. Walker previously worked in City’s Academy system before joining Maresca at Leicester City and later at Chelsea, and now rejoins him in Manchester.

Roberto Vitiello appointed assistant manager

Heading the new arrivals is Roberto Vitiello, who takes on the position of assistant manager. The 43-year-old Italian enjoyed a long playing career in Italy, representing clubs such as Parma, Vicenza, and Palermo — where he and Maresca were teammates. Vitiello has since become one of Maresca’s most trusted coaching partners, having worked with him at Fiorentina, Parma, Leicester City, and Chelsea. Their shared experience is expected to ensure a smooth transition as they lead City together following Maresca’s appointment on a three-year contract.

City confirm the full backroom lineup

In addition to Caballero’s return, City have reshaped their coaching framework with several key additions. Michele De Bernardin joins as the new Head of Goalkeeping, while Marcos Alvarez assumes the role of first-team fitness coach, focusing on maintaining peak physical standards within the squad.

Denis Silva is appointed as a first-team coach, and Javier Molina comes in as the new tactical analyst. This group, which has collaborated with Maresca previously, is specifically structured to execute his detailed tactical philosophy efficiently at the Etihad.

Continuity remains within the coaching structure

Despite the influx of new personnel, Manchester City have ensured a sense of continuity within the staff. The club confirmed that set-piece specialist James French and goalkeeping coach Richard Wright will both continue in their current roles, having served effectively through the 2025-26 season.

Enzo Maresca steps into one of the most demanding roles in world football, succeeding Pep Guardiola, who guided the club through a historic decade filled with triumphs, including six Premier League titles and one UEFA Champions League crown. Maresca’s immediate mission will be to reclaim the Premier League trophy, which has slipped from City’s grasp over the last two seasons.