Chelsea are preparing a legal challenge against Manchester City in the event that former manager Enzo Maresca is named as Pep Guardiola's successor, according to reports.
City are faced with the difficult task of identifying a replacement for the Catalan boss, who is poised to conclude his Etihad tenure after a decade at the helm. The BBC reported yesterday that the English FA Cup champions have picked Maresca as Guardiola's successor at the end of the current campaign on Sunday.
Contentious Departure from Chelsea
Maresca left Chelsea on New Year's Day in contentious circumstances. The Italian's situation was considered untenable as they separated via mutual consent. It was claimed that Maresca told the club's hierarchy that he'd held discussions with City regarding the prospect of succeeding Guardiola. That assertion has not been addressed by either club or challenged.
While Maresca had previously steered Chelsea to Club World Cup glory, a spell of one victory in seven Premier League fixtures suggested unrest and saw the Blues slip away from second place in the table. Maresca had also clashed with the board regarding transfers and insisted more experienced players were recruited before his exit.
Legal Action and Compensation
The Telegraph now reports that Chelsea will pursue compensation from City, utilising the terms of Maresca's departure from west London and the threat of revealing the events in the months preceding it. It is additionally stated that Chelsea would be obliged to lodge a complaint with the Premier League for action to be taken against City.
Maresca failed to fulfil his post-match duties following a draw with Bournemouth on December 30, with his departure confirmed just days afterwards. There is said to be considerable frustration that the manager's premature exit has damaged the club's campaign.
Maresca's History with City
Maresca is no stranger to City, having previously worked for the club on two separate occasions. He spent a spell managing City's under-23s during 2020/21 and served as Guardiola's assistant in 2022/23 before guiding Leicester to Championship success and securing his switch to Chelsea.
It was revealed on Monday night that Guardiola was poised to depart City following matches against Bournemouth and Aston Villa. City are chasing a final piece of silverware in the Premier League but need Arsenal to falter for the former Barcelona boss to add to his 20 trophies at the club. Guardiola is reportedly furious that news of his departure was leaked on the eve of a crucial title race encounter. He was left with no choice but to confirm his exit to players during a late-night phone call.
Maresca's Expected Succession
Maresca's expected succession to Guardiola will mean the arrival of a much lower profile figure, but one steeped in the club's methods and approach. Maresca, who took Leicester back into the Premier League before winning the Conference League then the Club World Cup at Chelsea, is another graduate of the Guardiola coaching academy. The Italian worked as assistant under Guardiola at City before branching out on his own, following the same template as Mikel Arteta, now on the brink of Premier League and Champions League glory with Arsenal after a successful spell on the coaching staff at Etihad Stadium.
