Why Chelsea will file a legal complaint against Manchester City if Maresca replaces Guardiola

Chelsea are expected to file a legal complaint against Manchester City if former manager Enzo Maresca replaces Pep Guardiola in the dugout at the Etihad, as has been widely reported.

Although City have not confirmed Guardiola’s departure, it is understood the former Barcelona coach will leave the Premier League club at the end of the season after 10 trophy-laden years.

Maresca’s City and Chelsea connections

Maresca, who was City’s Elite Development Squad manager in the 2020-21 season and served as Guardiola’s assistant in 2022-23, has reportedly agreed to take over. He previously worked as a first-team manager with Parma in his native Italy, as well as Leicester City and Chelsea in England.

After moving to Stamford Bridge in the summer of 2024, Maresca led Chelsea to a fourth-place finish and won two trophies, the UEFA Conference League and the Club World Cup.

Tensions at Stamford Bridge

However, things began to unravel in the first half of this season, which got off to a rocky start. Maresca clashed with club chiefs over whether to sign a replacement for defender Levi Colwill, who had been ruled out with a long-term injury.

Maresca also had an attempt to publish a book blocked by the club, which was reportedly unhappy with him speaking at an event in Italy.

In mid-December, he claimed he had experienced “the worst 48 hours” as Chelsea head coach. The Italian refused to explain why, although it was clear all was not well behind the scenes.

Exit and growing speculation

It was then announced Maresca would leave the club by mutual agreement on New Year’s Day, at which point the Blues were fifth in the Premier League.

“Enzo and the club believe a change gives the team the best chance of getting the season back on track,” read a Chelsea statement.

Rumors had already begun to swirl that the 46-year-old had been identified as Guardiola’s eventual replacement. It was later alleged that Maresca told Chelsea executives he had spoken to City about the position while under contract at Stamford Bridge.

Potential legal dispute

According to British newspaper The Telegraph, Chelsea now see Maresca’s seemingly imminent appointment as City’s new coach as grounds to take action against the Manchester club. This could lead to financial compensation if they file a complaint.

City are already in hot water over 115 alleged breaches of the Premier League financial rules between 2009 and 2018, during which they established themselves as England’s dominant club.

The Sky Blues were charged by the Premier League in 2023, but a verdict has yet to be reached.

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