Chelsea demands £10M+ compensation from Manchester City over Enzo Maresca appointment
Manchester City and Chelsea are locked in a high-stakes compensation dispute over Enzo Maresca, who left Chelsea in January and is now set to replace Pep Guardiola as City’s manager. Chelsea claims Maresca breached his contract by negotiating with City while still managing Chelsea, destabilizing the team and costing them European qualification. Talks are advanced, with City expected to pay over £10 million to settle the dispute and avoid a Premier League complaint.
Cross-source coverage
Wire timeline
Malouda: Maresca Taking Over Manchester City Is Both Challenge and Opportunity; Could Become Next Arteta
Former Chelsea and France winger Florent Malouda commented on Manchester City's appointment of Enzo Maresca as head coach, succeeding Pep Guardiola. Malouda described the role as an almost unsolvable problem due to the club's recent championship pedigree, but also a great opportunity for Maresca to implement reforms and build a new playing style. He noted that while some players are expected to leave, the club will support Maresca's team-building vision. Malouda refrained from comparing Maresca directly to Guardiola but suggested he could become the next Mikel Arteta, leading City to remain at the top of world football for the next decade. The remarks were published by Hupu, citing tribalfootball.
虎扑 - 足球Manchester City Appoints Enzo Maresca as Guardiola's Successor
Manchester City has officially appointed Enzo Maresca as the new manager, replacing Pep Guardiola who left at the end of the 2025/26 season after a decade of success. Maresca, previously Guardiola's assistant, is seen as a continuity candidate who shares similar tactical principles. However, his recent stint at Chelsea was underwhelming, with fans criticizing his one-dimensional possession style. City is undergoing a generational transition, with key players like Kevin de Bruyne, Ederson, and Kyle Walker departing, while younger signings arrive. The club is close to signing Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest to help implement Maresca's ideas. Despite supporter skepticism, City hopes Maresca can build on Guardiola's legacy and maintain high standards.
Forbes - BusinessManchester City Chairman: Maresca Is a Great Fit, He Craves the Challenge
Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak explained the decision to appoint Enzo Maresca as the club's new head coach, succeeding Pep Guardiola. In an interview, Al Mubarak highlighted Maresca's deep familiarity with the club, having previously worked in the academy and as part of the treble-winning coaching staff. He praised Maresca's evolution as a coach, his willingness to take on challenges at Leicester City and Chelsea, and his football philosophy, which draws from Guardiola's school of thought but has evolved into his own. Al Mubarak emphasized that Maresca is not simply 'Pep 2.0' and that his style of play aligns well with the team. He expressed excitement about Maresca's leadership and noted that the players already know him, including youth product Nico O'Reilly, ensuring a smooth transition. The chairman described the role as a huge challenge that frightens many, but said Maresca actively craves it.
虎扑 - 足球Why Maresca? What Manchester City fans can expect from Guardiola's successor
Enzo Maresca has been appointed Manchester City head coach on a three-year deal, succeeding Pep Guardiola who won 20 trophies in a decade. The Italian, who was Guardiola's assistant during the Treble-winning 2022-23 season, has returned to the club after two previous stints. Maresca acknowledges the 'huge challenge' of following Guardiola but aims to maintain the same style of football. Club chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak praised Maresca's philosophy and evolution as a coach, noting his Spanish influence and tactical innovations. Maresca's appointment was reportedly recommended by outgoing sporting director Txiki Begiristain and made with Guardiola's knowledge. The 46-year-old's rapid rise in management includes a previous role at Chelsea.
BBC SportEnzo Maresca Appointed Manchester City Head Coach to Succeed Pep Guardiola
Manchester City have appointed Enzo Maresca as their new head coach on a three-year deal, replacing Pep Guardiola who left after 10 years and 20 trophies. Maresca, 46, previously served as Guardiola's assistant during City's Treble-winning 2022-23 season and later managed Chelsea. The Italian's Spanish-influenced coaching style and close relationship with Guardiola, as well as strong recommendations from outgoing sporting director Txiki Begiristain and chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak, were key factors in his selection. Maresca described the role as a 'huge challenge' but vowed to maintain City's possession-based philosophy while aiming to win.
BBC SportEnzo Maresca to Pay Chelsea Compensation After Signing Three-Year Manchester City Deal
Enzo Maresca has signed a three-year contract to become Manchester City's new head coach, succeeding Pep Guardiola who stepped down in May. The appointment was delayed by compensation talks between Chelsea and City, with sources reporting City will pay Chelsea about £17m. Separately, Chelsea says Maresca will personally pay them compensation for resigning in January, which he has now admitted opened the path to join City. Maresca apologized for the disruption caused by his mid-season departure, which contributed to Chelsea's chaotic campaign, a 10th-place finish, and lost television revenue. Despite this, Chelsea's season under Maresca was their most successful under current owners, including Champions League qualification and silverware in the Club World Cup and Conference League.
BBC SportMaresca: I hope this is the last time. Once I return to Manchester City, I will never leave again.
Enzo Maresca, newly appointed head coach of Manchester City, gave an interview to the club's TV channel after his official appointment. This marks his third stint at the club, having previously coached the youth team and served as Pep Guardiola's assistant during the treble-winning season. Maresca expressed hope that this return would be permanent, citing the club's size and prestige as key motivators. He acknowledged the challenge of maintaining the team's recent success but expressed confidence in his coaching philosophy and familiarity with the club's culture, players, and management. Maresca praised the squad's balance of youth and experience, confirmed ongoing discussions with sporting director Hugo Viana about potential summer reinforcements, and highlighted the strength of the club's youth academy system.
虎扑 - 足球Enzo Maresca Appointed Manchester City Manager After Paying Chelsea Compensation
Manchester City confirmed the appointment of Enzo Maresca as their new manager, succeeding Pep Guardiola. The deal involved a £17 million compensation payment from City to Chelsea, but Chelsea also revealed that Maresca personally paid an undisclosed compensation fee due to his abrupt mid-season resignation in December 2025. Chelsea issued a 327-word statement expressing disappointment, claiming Maresca's focus was elsewhere despite having only joined them the year before. Maresca previously worked as Guardiola's assistant at City in 2022-23, led Leicester to promotion, and won the Club World Cup with Chelsea last summer. City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak praised Maresca's personality and alignment with the club's ambitions. Chelsea subsequently appointed Liam Rosenior and then Xabi Alonso as replacements.
City AMManchester City Admits Secret Contact with Maresca Before Chelsea Resignation, Compensates Chelsea
Manchester City released an official statement after appointing Enzo Maresca as head coach, acknowledging that club representatives held confidential meetings with Maresca during autumn and winter of 2025 while he was head coach of Chelsea. The meetings discussed the possibility of Maresca returning to City as interim head coach if Pep Guardiola left. Manchester City stated they are aware of Chelsea's statement regarding Maresca's departure context and admitted that his mid-season departure disrupted Chelsea's season. The clubs reached a mutually accepted resolution, with Manchester City paying appropriate compensation to Chelsea. Maresca was described as a coach who succeeded within City's system and was a long-term succession planning candidate.
虎扑 - 足球Chelsea Publicly Criticizes Enzo Maresca Over Mid-Season Exit to Manchester City
Chelsea released a statement on Monday criticizing former coach Enzo Maresca for his mid-season departure in December 2025 to prepare to succeed Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, a move officially announced this Monday. The London club, which finished 10th in the Premier League, called the departure a main factor in their disappointing season. Chelsea stated Maresca informed them in autumn 2025 of the opportunity to join City, then abruptly resigned. A confidential compensation agreement was signed with Manchester City, and Maresca also paid an additional indemnity. Maresca confirmed the events on Instagram, apologized for disrupting the club, and noted he won the Conference League and Club World Cup with Chelsea in 2025. Chelsea appointed Liam Rosenior as interim, then Calum McFarlane, and will hire Xabi Alonso next season.
Foot - actualités, mercato, info & vidéo en continuEnzo Maresca Apologizes to Chelsea, Will Pay Compensation After 'Unexpected' Exit to Manchester City
New Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has apologized to Chelsea and will pay £17 million in compensation after leaving the club in acrimonious circumstances last season. Chelsea released an explosive statement revealing Maresca's desire to succeed Pep Guardiola at City prompted his abrupt resignation in December 2025, just seven months after joining the Blues. Maresca, who had three-and-a-half years remaining on his Chelsea contract, admitted his mid-season departure caused disruption and apologized via Instagram. Chelsea reluctantly allowed him to speak to City only on the condition he would leave that summer, but Maresca's resignation forced their hand. Chelsea subsequently appointed Liam Rosenior, who was sacked after 106 days, with the Blues finishing 10th and without European football. Maresca has signed a three-year deal at City.
SkySports | NewsChelsea blames Enzo Maresca for poor season, says coach's head was at Manchester City
Chelsea has publicly blamed former manager Enzo Maresca for their disappointing 2025/26 season, revealing that his commitment waned after learning he was a candidate to replace Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. In an official statement, Chelsea stated Maresca informed them in fall 2025 of the possibility, and his desire to leave became evident. He abruptly resigned in December 2025 despite having a contract until 2029. Chelsea claims they had to accept the resignation to protect the team. The club has reached confidential compensation agreements with both Manchester City and Maresca personally. The article is based on an official Chelsea statement and Mundo Deportivo reporting.
FútbolManchester City Officially Appoints Enzo Maresca as Manager
Manchester City has officially appointed Enzo Maresca as their new manager on a three-year contract running until summer 2029, following the departure of Pep Guardiola. Maresca, who returns to the club for his third spell in various capacities, takes over a squad built for sustained success. He expressed pride and familiarity with the club's structure and ambitions. City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak welcomed the appointment, describing Maresca as a natural fit for the club's long-term direction and footballing identity. The Italian previously managed Chelsea, where he faced Manchester United three times, recording one win, one draw, and one defeat.
Yardbarker: SoccerChelsea Criticizes Ex-Coach Maresca After His Move to Manchester City
Chelsea issued a strongly worded statement on June 29, 2026, harshly criticizing former head coach Enzo Maresca immediately after his appointment at Manchester City was made official. The London club revealed that Maresca informed them last autumn of a potential opportunity to succeed Pep Guardiola at season's end, despite having a long-term contract. He abruptly resigned in December 2025, mid-season, forcing Chelsea to accept. A confidential compensation agreement was reached with Manchester City, and another with Maresca requiring him to pay compensation. Chelsea, who finished 10th in the Premier League, then contrasted Maresca's conduct with new manager Xabi Alonso, praising Alonso's 'impeccable integrity' and 'exceptional football intelligence'.
Home Football - actualitésChelsea accuses Maresca of resigning over Man City job, reveals compensation deal
Chelsea released a statement accusing former head coach Enzo Maresca of resigning unexpectedly in December 2025, citing his prior knowledge of Manchester City's interest to succeed Pep Guardiola. The London club expressed disappointment, stating Maresca was under a long-term contract he had no right to terminate. Chelsea revealed that a confidential compensation agreement was reached with Manchester City, and Maresca will also pay compensation individually. The instability from the mid-season managerial change was cited as a factor in Chelsea's disappointing 2025/26 season. Chelsea announced Xabi Alonso as their new manager, praising his football mind and integrity.
RecordManchester City Appoints Enzo Maresca as Guardiola's Successor; Chelsea Responds with Scathing Statement
Manchester City has officially appointed Enzo Maresca as their new first-team manager for three seasons, succeeding Pep Guardiola. Maresca previously served as Guardiola's assistant during City's treble-winning 2022/23 campaign. The Italian coach had joined Chelsea in 2024 and won the UEFA Conference League and Club World Cup, but his relationship with the club's ownership deteriorated after Manchester City initiated contacts about his availability. Maresca resigned on January 1, 2026, and City paid over £17 million in compensation. Chelsea responded with a harsh statement avoiding Maresca's name, criticizing his decision to leave mid-season and accusing him of prioritizing the City opportunity over his long-term contract. The upcoming Premier League fixture between Chelsea and Manchester City is now highly anticipated.
Últimas NoticiasManchester City Appoints Enzo Maresca as Head Coach; Chelsea Responds with Harsh Statement
Manchester City officially appointed Enzo Maresca as their new head coach for three seasons, replacing Pep Guardiola. Maresca, who previously served as Guardiola's assistant during City's treble-winning 2022/23 season, left Chelsea mid-season in January 2026 after informing the club of his desire to succeed Guardiola. Chelsea issued a scathing statement criticizing Maresca's abrupt resignation, referring to him only as 'our former head coach.' Manchester City paid over £17 million in compensation to finalize the move. Maresca apologized for the disruption caused by his mid-season departure, stating the decision was his alone. The first Premier League clash between Chelsea and Manchester City in the 2026/27 season is expected to be highly tense.
Últimas NoticiasEnzo Maresca Returns to Manchester City as Head Coach, Succeeding Pep Guardiola
Manchester City officially announced the appointment of Enzo Maresca as their new head coach, replacing Pep Guardiola. The 46-year-old Italian, who served as Guardiola's assistant during the 2022-2023 treble-winning season, has signed a 3-year contract running until 2029. Maresca returns to the bench after leaving Chelsea in January. He previously led Leicester to Premier League promotion in 2024 and won the Club World Cup and Conference League with Chelsea. Maresca acknowledged the high expectations, calling the role 'the dream job' due to the club's innovative environment. He faces the challenge of succeeding Guardiola, who won 20 trophies in a decade at Manchester City.
Foot - actualités, mercato, info & vidéo en continuManchester City Officially Appoints Enzo Maresca as Pep Guardiola's Replacement
Manchester City has officially announced Enzo Maresca as the replacement for outgoing manager Pep Guardiola, ending months of speculation. The 46-year-old Italian, who previously served as Guardiola's assistant at the club, has signed a three-year contract through the summer of 2029. This marks Maresca's third stint with Manchester City, and he returns after a successful solo managerial career elsewhere. Maresca expressed his deep familiarity with the club and excitement about leading the team. The appointment was made public on June 29, 2026, by Mundo Deportivo, confirming what had been widely rumored since Guardiola's departure became known.
FútbolMaresca Returns as Manchester City Head Coach, Praises Club's 'Dream Environment'
Manchester City officially announced the return of Enzo Maresca as first-team head coach on a contract until 2029. Maresca expressed his familiarity with the club, calling it a 'dream environment' that offers stability for his work. He highlighted the club's innovative planning and goal-oriented culture. Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak described Maresca as a perfect match for the club, aligning with its football philosophy and ambitions. CEO Ferran Soriano noted Maresca's integrity, charisma, and past contributions, including coaching the Elite Development Squad and playing a key role in the treble-winning season. The appointment marks Maresca's third stint at the club, having previously managed the youth team and served as an assistant under Pep Guardiola.
虎扑 - 足球