• Former Manchester City goalkeeper Willy Caballero is poised for a return to the Etihad Stadium this summer.

• Caballero will act as a ‘key part’ of incoming manager Enzo Maresca’s revamped backroom coaching staff.

• Maresca and Caballero will form part of the setup that replaces Pep Guardiola, with the Catalan ending his legendary 10-year stay at the Etihad.

Manchester City fans can expect to welcome back one of their cult heroes this summer with Willy Caballero set for a prominent position in their new-look coaching set-up.

The former goalkeeper previously enjoyed a memorable three-year stint at the Etihad Stadium between 2014 and 2017, cementing his status in club folklore with a legendary three-penalty shootout save performance against Liverpool to secure the 2016 League Cup.

Pep Guardiola to leave Manchester City at the end of 2025/26 season

Following his retirement from professional playing duties in 2023, Willy Caballero immediately transitioned into coaching by stepping into high-profile assistant roles, forging a partnership alongside former Manchester City assistant Enzo Maresca.

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With Maresca now tipped for being tasked with succeeding Pep Guardiola at the Etihad Stadium ahead of the 2026/27 season, reports are beginning to construct the new-look backroom staff that will accompany the Italian.

Enzo Maresca begins work on City coaching staff structure

Now, according to talkSPORT’s Alex Crook, former Manchester City goalkeeper Willy Caballero is expected to make a return to the Etihad Stadium this summer as a ‘key part’ of Enzo Maresca’s backroom team.

The pending appointment underscores Manchester City’s apparent preference for integrating coaches who possess familiarity with the club’s philosophy and standard of expectations, whilst Caballero is no doubt a trusted colleague of Maresca.

Revealed: Contractual clause included by Manchester City permits early Pep Guardiola exit

The Argentine’s extensive elite dressing-room experience, coupled with the rigorous tactical background he shares with Enzo Maresca, perhaps offers Manchester City a seamless transition behind the scenes.

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Manchester City’s immediate focus as emotion put on hold

For now, City have matches still to play this season culminating in a final day Premier League meeting with Aston Villa at the Etihad Stadium, in what will now act as the emotional farewell occasion for Pep Guardiola.

The Club have also already confirmed that an open-top bus parade will take place on Monday afternoon to celebrate the Men’s, Women’s and Academy successes over the course of the 2025/26 season, ending with a celebration event at the Co-op Live arena.