Maresca Pays Chelsea Compensation To Become Man City Manager

Manchester City have confirmed the appointment of Enzo Maresca as their new manager, ending months of speculation and bringing the Italian back to the Etihad Stadium for a third spell.

His appointment comes after Chelsea announced that confidential compensation agreements had been reached with both Manchester City and Maresca following his mid-season departure from Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea issued a lengthy statement explaining the circumstances surrounding Maresca’s exit, saying it was important to clarify events for supporters after what the club described as a disappointing 2025/26 campaign.

“Chelsea FC appreciates the 2025/26 season was a hugely disappointing one for the Club and its supporters,” the statement read.

“A major contributing factor was the disruption caused as a result of changes that the Club was forced to make to the Head Coach position over the Christmas period.”

The Blues revealed that they had first been informed in the autumn of 2025 that Maresca was interested in succeeding Pep Guardiola at Manchester City once the Spaniard left the club.

“In Autumn last year, the Club was informed by our former Head Coach that there might be an opportunity for him to succeed Pep Guardiola at the end of the season,” Chelsea said.

“It became clear to us that it was his strong desire to succeed Guardiola and that he was fully committed to pursuing the opportunity, despite the fact he was under a long-term contract which he had no right to terminate.”

According to Chelsea, the situation escalated in December when Maresca resigned unexpectedly.

“In December 2025, our Head Coach unexpectedly and abruptly resigned from his position. Obviously, we felt let down as we believed that his head and heart were focused on another club and another opportunity, despite having just arrived at Chelsea the year before.”

While expressing disappointment over the timing of his departure, Chelsea acknowledged that a settlement had been reached to bring the matter to a close.

“No club wants to change its head coach midway through a season. However, in light of his decision not to continue fulfilling his responsibilities through to the end of the season, the club was left with no choice but to protect our players, our supporters, and the Badge and accept his resignation.

“In the circumstances and given the mutual respect between clubs, a confidential settlement has been reached with Manchester City, which includes the payment of compensation. A confidential settlement has also been reached with the former head coach under which he will pay compensation.”

The club also confirmed it has moved on by appointing Xabi Alonso as head coach.
“Looking forward to next season, in Xabi Alonso, we have a manager who has an exceptional football mind and is a professional of the highest integrity. He has all the attributes to deliver the success the club’s supporters deserve and expect.”

Maresca, meanwhile, admitted that leaving Chelsea midway through the campaign had caused disruption and apologised to everyone connected with the club.

“At the end of December 2025, I made the difficult decision to leave Chelsea,” he said.

“The decision was only mine. My resignation from Chelsea opened a path for me to join Manchester City, which is a club I knew very well. I am ecstatic that I have now joined Manchester City.”

The Italian also acknowledged the impact his resignation had on Chelsea’s season.

“I recognise that my departure from Chelsea in the middle of the season caused disruption for the club and I apologise for that. It was neither my intention nor my wish.”

Despite the circumstances surrounding his exit, Maresca expressed gratitude for his time at Stamford Bridge.

“I was treated well by everyone at Chelsea and together we achieved great success and memories that I will always treasure.

“I am grateful to the club, the owners and the fans for giving me the opportunity.”

Manchester City welcomed Maresca back by highlighting his previous achievements with the club. Their statement noted that he first joined City in 2020, leading the Elite Development Squad to the Premier League 2 title in his debut season before returning in 2022 as one of Pep Guardiola’s assistant managers.

City credited him with playing “an integral role” in the coaching staff that helped deliver the club’s historic Treble of the Champions League, Premier League and FA Cup in 2023.

The club also reflected on his managerial success away from Manchester, noting that he guided Leicester City to the EFL Championship title before leading Chelsea to UEFA Conference League glory, Champions League qualification and FIFA Club World Cup success.

Maresca now returns to the Etihad as Guardiola’s successor, with Manchester City hoping his familiarity with the club’s philosophy and his recent managerial achievements will help usher in a successful new era.