Manchester City and Chelsea are currently engaged in ongoing negotiations regarding the potential appointment of Enzo Maresca as Pep Guardiola's successor. Guardiola, who announced his departure from City on 22 May after a decade filled with numerous trophies, has left a significant void that Maresca is being considered to fill.
The talks between the two clubs have reached an advanced stage, with senior figures discussing a compensation package for Maresca. The 46-year-old coach had previously won the Club World Cup and Conference League during his tenure at Stamford Bridge before leaving in January. He has expressed interest in taking up the managerial role at Manchester City.
Chelsea believes they are entitled to compensation due to the terms of Maresca's departure. He was contracted to stay with them until 2029 but left just six months ago. The club is currently exploring their legal options and expects a compensation package to be paid, although it remains unclear how much this might be or when it will be resolved.
Look back at Maresca’s career
Maresca served as an assistant to Guardiola during Manchester City's Treble-winning campaign of 2022-23 and played a crucial role in developing the club's academy before joining the first team. After leaving City in 2023, he managed Leicester where he successfully guided them back into Premier League contention within one season. Maresca’s final six months at Chelsea were marked by tension between him and the club’s ownership which complicates matters further. This strained relationship was due largely to disagreements over several issues including medical staff appointments and team selections.
Despite these tensions, sources within Chelsea claim that there was still respect for much of what Maresca achieved while working with players; he remained popular among most members of the dressing room. The club believes that the upheaval caused by his departure played a significant role in their drop in form, resulting in them failing to qualify for Europe.
Maresca had shown willingness to renew his contract with Chelsea earlier in the season amid interest from Serie A side Juventus. However, with ongoing negotiations and potential legal battles, it remains uncertain when or if he will take up the managerial position at Manchester City. While Maresca's appointment as Guardiola's successor seems likely, there are still several hurdles to overcome. Both clubs and fans alike will be eagerly awaiting the outcome of these negotiations.
