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Manchester City remain in detailed negotiations with Chelsea over the compensation package for Enzo Maresca, who is set to become their next manager. The Italian coach is expected to take over from Pep Guardiola, but the finalisation of the proposed three-year deal has been delayed due to ongoing legal discussions following his abrupt exit from Stamford Bridge in January.

Compensation discussions slow down Maresca’s appointment

As reported by Sky Sports, City are actively engaged with Chelsea regarding compensation for Maresca. The matter is currently being handled by the legal teams of both clubs, as the Italian tactician departed the London club in January despite having three and a half years remaining on his contract.

City are optimistic about reaching a settlement this week, which would clear the way to formally announce Maresca as Guardiola’s successor. The Spanish manager left after a remarkable decade at the Etihad Stadium, during which he collected six Premier League titles and a clean sweep of other major honours. Although a three-year contract has been proposed for Maresca, it has yet to be fully approved.

Reigning champions impressed by Maresca’s track record

Sources indicate that Chelsea were informed as early as last autumn about Manchester City’s growing interest in Maresca. The Premier League champions were reportedly drawn to his impressive record in charge of the Blues. Across 92 matches, he guided his side to 55 victories and 16 draws, while also securing two major trophies during the 2024–25 season — the UEFA Conference League and the FIFA Club World Cup.

Before leaving midway through the campaign, Maresca had managed 19 Premier League fixtures, registering eight wins, six draws, and five losses. When he stepped down, Chelsea were sitting fifth in the league table and ultimately concluded the season in 10th position.

New backroom structure required under Maresca

Following Maresca’s formal appointment, Manchester City will need to rebuild significant parts of their coaching and operational setup. Alongside Guardiola, key staff members such as Pep Lijnders, Kolo Toure, fitness coach Lorenzo Buenaventura, operations chief Manel Estiarte, and head of goalkeeping Xabi Mancisidor will all depart from the club.

What lies ahead for Maresca and Guardiola

City are working diligently to finalise the agreement this week, aiming to present their new manager before pre-season training begins. Meanwhile, Guardiola remains relaxed about his next steps after a decade-long spell of unprecedented success.

When questioned about his future plans, Guardiola commented, “After that, we’ll see what happens. I don’t have any specific plan; I just want to rest and do many things I couldn’t do before — simple, even silly things.”