Manager Josep Guardiola is set to leave Manchester City at the end of this season, with former City manager and Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca linked to replace him at the Etihad Stadium.
Enzo Maresca could replace Pep Guardiola (Image: Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
Chelsea are preparing for a legal battle with Manchester City if former manager Enzo Maresca replaces Josep Guardiola. City face the difficult task of finding a replacement for the Catalan manager, who is set to end his career at the Etihad after 10 years at the club.
Maresca is the front-runner for the role after leaving Chelsea on New Year’s Day in controversial circumstances. The Italians’ position was deemed unsustainable as they parted ways with mutual consent.
Maresca is said to have told club executives that he has held talks with City about the possibility of replacing Guardiola. Neither club has commented on or disputed this claim.
Maresca has led Chelsea to Club World Cup glory, but his record of just one win in seven Premier League games suggests an unsettling result, with the Blues dropping from second place in the division. Maresca also clashed with the board over transfers, at one point demanding he sign senior players before stepping down.
The Telegraph has now reported that Chelsea will seek compensation from City in exchange for Maresca’s departure from west London and his threat to reveal what happened in the months leading up to it. It was also stated that Chelsea would need to lodge a complaint with the Premier League for action to be taken against City.
Mirror Sports has contacted both clubs for comment.
Maresca did not fulfill his post-match obligations after the draw with Bournemouth on 30 December and faced his departure day a few days later. He is said to be unhappy that the manager’s early departure has ruined the club’s season.
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Maresca delivered a sharp jive after the win against Everton in December. “The last 48 hours have been the worst since I joined the club, because not many people supported us,” he said at the post-match press conference.
The conference league championship coach suggested he meant that in a “general” way before saying, “I’m very happy for the fans.”
Maresca is no stranger to City, having previously worked there twice. He was manager of City’s Under-23s in 2020/21 and was Guardiola’s assistant in 2022/23 before leading Leicester to Championship glory before earning a move to Chelsea.
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Maresca is said to have held talks with City about a future appointment during his time at Chelsea (Image: Gabriele Maltinti – FIGC, FIGC via Getty Images)
Guardiola praised Maresca and praised his environment following the Italian’s departure. “All I can say is that, from my point of view, Chelsea have lost a great manager and a great person,” he said.
“It’s a decision from the hierarchy at Chelsea so I have nothing to say. How lucky I am to be at the club I am at. My club is extraordinary.”
It was revealed on Monday that Guardiola is set to leave City after taking charge against Bournemouth and Aston Villa. City are targeting the final silver medal in the Premier League, while Arsenal are demanding a move for the former Barcelona star to add to his 20 trophies with the club.
The Premier League legend is said to be furious that news of his departure from Manchester City broke on the eve of a monumental game in the title race. Manager Guardiola was forced to confirm his departure to his players in a late-night phone call.
The City manager will face the media for the first time since the news tonight when his side take on the Cherries.
