After ten years of success, Pep Guardiola has decided to leave Manchester City. A big chapter not easy to close for the Skyblues. However, a name quickly emerged for the Spaniard’s succession: Enzo Maresca. Coach of Chelsea from July 2024 to January 2026, the 46-year-old Italian evolved under Guardiola’s orders since he was his assistant between 2022 and 2023. Maresca, a quick and validated choice, but the Italian has still not been officially inducted by City. Which may seem strange at first glance, since Maresca resigned from Chelsea on January 2.
“Chelsea Football Club and its head coach, Enzo Maresca, have parted ways. During his stint, Enzo led the team to victory in the UEFA Conference League and FIFA Club World Cup. These successes will remain engraved in the recent history of the Club, and we thank him for his contribution. With key targets still to be achieved in four competitions, including qualification for the Champions League, Enzo and the club believe a change offers the team the best chance of getting the season back on track. We wish Enzo the best for the future”indicated the Blues.
Maresca and Chelsea’s divorce went badly
Free from any contract, Enzo Maresca will finally be able to commit to City for the next three years, but in exchange for a check for €20 million, according to Sky Italia ! An astronomical sum. Why did Manchester City have to pay such a sum to enlist a coach free of any contract? It all goes back to the start of the 2025-2026 season. At that time, Maresca informed Chelsea that Manchester City and Napoli were very interested in his services. From there, trust was broken between the London club and the Transalpine. A divorce which will therefore lead to the resignation of Maresca.
And if Manchester City has to take out the checkbook, it is quite simply in order to resolve this problem amicably. Chelsea have demanded compensation from Manchester City as the Blues claim they have evidence that the Italian breached his contract with the London club while entering into talks with rival Premier League clubs while he was still their manager last season. Chelsea also felt that Maresca’s departure destabilized a season that ended badly, namely a 10th place in the Premier League and therefore no European Cup to play next season.
