COBHAM, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 8: Chelsea FC manager Enzo Maresca looks on during a training session at Chelsea’s training ground on December 8, 2025 in Cobham, England. (Photo by Jasper Wax/Getty Images)
Manchester City has confirmed the appointment of Italian manager Enzo Maresca, but his former club Chelsea have confirmed that he will have to pay compensation after being approached to replace Josep Guardiola last autumn.
Maresca joins City on a three-year contract until the summer of 2029, beginning his third spell at the club. He previously worked under Guardiola as an assistant during the treble-winning 2022-23 season, and led the club’s elite development team in 2020-21.
This will be the Italian international’s second time as manager in the Premier League, following his previous stint in charge of Chelsea from 2024 to January 2026.
It was announced on January 1 that Maresca would be stepping down as Chelsea’s head coach, with reports at the time suggesting this was due to tensions and disagreements with the club’s owners.
On Monday, the same day City announced Maresca’s appointment, Chelsea issued a statement explaining that the manager was originally approached last autumn and that it quickly became clear “his strong desire to become Guardiola’s successor”.
Chelsea claim the manager must pay compensation to his former employer because Maresca “had a long-term contract but had no right to terminate it”.
This is on top of the compensation City had to pay Chelsea, which Italian reports say is around 20 million euros.
What Chelsea said about Maresca and the compensation he owes them
“Chelsea FC appreciates that the 2025/26 season has been a very disappointing season for the club and its supporters. The main contributing factor was the disruption that occurred as a result of the club being forced to make changes to the head coaching position over the Christmas period,” a statement on Chelsea’s website read.
“Due to recent circumstances, we believe it is important to explain to our supporters what happened and why our former head coach left the club on January 1, 2026.
“Last autumn, the club was informed by its former head coach that there might be an opportunity to replace Pep Guardiola at the end of the season. Despite having a long-term contract with no right to terminate, it became clear to us that it was his strong desire to succeed Guardiola and that he was fully committed to pursuing that opportunity.”
“In December 2025, our head coach suddenly and unexpectedly resigned from his position. We were clearly disappointed as we believed his head and heart were focused on another club and another opportunity, despite having only arrived at Chelsea the previous year.”
“No club wants to change their head coach in the middle of a season. However, given his decision not to continue in his responsibilities until the end of the season, the club had no choice but to protect its players, supporters and badge and accept his resignation.”
“In light of the circumstances and in consideration of the mutual respect between the clubs, we have reached a confidential settlement with Manchester City that includes the payment of compensation. We have also reached a confidential settlement with our former head coach, and compensation will be paid based on that agreement.”
“We are looking forward to next season in Xabi Alonso, a professional manager with an exceptional football mind and the highest integrity. He has all the qualities to deliver the success that the club’s supporters rightly expect and expect.”
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