Manchester City are set to pay Chelsea over £10 million in compensation as they finalize the appointment of Enzo Maresca as Pep Guardiola's successor. The settlement comes after Chelsea alleged that City made an illegal approach for Maresca while he was still under contract at Stamford Bridge.
Background to the Dispute
Maresca left Chelsea on New Year's Day after a sudden falling out with the club's hierarchy, having won the Club World Cup and the Conference League in his first season. During his final month in charge, he won just one of seven league games. It has been widely reported that City and Napoli approached Maresca during this period and held talks with him.
The Italian previously worked at City as a youth coach and served as Guardiola's assistant for a season. According to The Guardian, Chelsea believe they have evidence that the approach was illegal and that Maresca breached his contract by engaging in talks while still their manager.
Compensation Negotiations
Chelsea considered reporting City to the Premier League and threatening legal action but instead opted to negotiate a compensation package. A settlement is close to being agreed, with the Blues fighting hard for every penny. Todd Boehly and the club's hierarchy are convinced the saga contributed to their poor season.
When Maresca left, Chelsea were fifth in the table, but under replacement Liam Rosenior they slumped to 10th, missing out on European qualification for the second time in four seasons. Rosenior lasted just 106 days in charge, during which the team crashed out of the Champions League and Carabao Cup before losing the FA Cup final to City.
Financial Details
City will likely pay Chelsea over £10 million in compensation, only £2 million more than what Chelsea paid Leicester City to sign Maresca in 2024. Chelsea have since appointed Xabi Alonso as Rosenior's successor, with his first game away to Fulham on August 24.
Maresca's New Challenge
Maresca faces the daunting task of following Guardiola, who won 16 major trophies, including six Premier League titles, in a decade at City. His first match is set to be against Arsenal in the Community Shield on August 16, before City kick off their Premier League campaign at home against Bournemouth.
