Chelsea are preparing to launch a legal complaint against Manchester City over the Premier League champions' pursuit of former head coach Enzo Maresca, unless the Manchester club agrees to pay compensation. Allegations have emerged that Maresca held discussions with City while still under contract at Stamford Bridge, a move that has infuriated Chelsea officials.
Maresca Set to Replace Guardiola
With Maresca tipped to succeed the outgoing Pep Guardiola at the Etihad Stadium, Chelsea are demanding compensation for what they view as an illegal approach. If the two clubs fail to reach an agreement, Chelsea could escalate the matter to the Premier League, which would then launch an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the contact.
Eghbali Speaks Out
Chelsea co-owner Behdad Eghbali addressed the situation at a recent sports congress, stating: "The change wasn't the club's decision, for reasons I can't speak about legally. I think the reasons will become kind of clear in due course. But no, it's not a change we wanted to make." Eghbali acknowledged that the upheaval has negatively impacted the team's performances on the pitch.
"It's a change that's had a bit of a negative impact on the season, when you're changing systems and personnel," he added. "And it's one we've got to fight our way out of."
Deteriorating Relationship
Maresca's departure came as a major surprise, with little explanation provided at the time. However, reports indicate that the Italian's relationship with Chelsea chiefs deteriorated in December, descending into a war of words. The situation worsened after Maresca claimed he endured his "worst 48 hours" at Stamford Bridge due to a lack of support following a Champions League defeat to Atalanta.
It has also been alleged that Maresca ignored advice from the club's medical department regarding player minutes before news broke of his discussions with Manchester City and Juventus. Maresca's camp insisted at the time that they had informed Chelsea of the talks with other clubs.
