Enzo Maresca’s long-awaited appointment as Manchester City’s new head coach has come at a cost—with the Italian now contractually obligated to pay compensation to Chelsea following his controversial departure from Stamford Bridge earlier this year.
The 46-year-old has officially signed a three-year deal to succeed Pep Guardiola, who stepped down in May after a decade-long reign that delivered six Premier League titles and the club’s first Champions League trophy.
However, the announcement was delayed for weeks as Chelsea and City haggled over a compensation package for the former Leicester City boss, whose abrupt exit from west London in January left lingering tensions.
Maresca left Chelsea mid-season following a dismal run of just one win in seven Premier League matches. At the time, the club’s official statement framed the departure as mutual, suggesting both parties agreed that “a change gives the team the best chance of getting the season back on track.”
But the Italian has now publicly confirmed that he actually submitted his resignation, acknowledging that the move “opened a path” for him to pursue the City vacancy.
Chelsea, however, have taken a firmer stance in their latest statement, describing Maresca’s resignation as a “decision not to continue fulfilling his responsibilities.”
The club revealed that a confidential agreement has been reached with the Italian regarding compensation—funds that Maresca will personally pay to Chelsea as part of the settlement.
The exact financial terms remain undisclosed, but the development adds a layer of acrimony to Maresca’s swift career ascent.
Having led Leicester to promotion from the Championship in 2023/24, he joined Chelsea with high expectations but lasted less than eight months before his mid-season exit.
Now, with the City job secured, he faces the daunting task of replacing Guardiola while navigating the financial and reputational fallout of his messy split from Chelsea.
Manchester City, have yet to comment on the compensation arrangement. Maresca is expected to be officially unveiled later this week, with his first competitive match scheduled for the Community Shield against Arsenal.
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