Maresca confirmed as Man City boss as Chelsea receive £17m compensation for abrupt exit

Enzo Maresca has been confirmed as Manchester City’s new manager on a three-year contract, with Chelsea securing £17 million in compensation after the 46-year-old resigned from Stamford Bridge in December 2025 to take the position vacated by Pep Guardiola.

Maresca’s appointment marks his third association with City, having previously coached their elite development squad and served as one of Guardiola’s assistants. His departure from Chelsea came just 18 months into his tenure, during which he led the club to the UEFA Conference League and the FIFA Club World Cup.

Chelsea’s pointed club statement laid bare the circumstances of his exit. “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,” it read. “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. In December 2025, our head coach unexpectedly and abruptly resigned from his position.”

The statement confirmed that separate confidential settlements have been reached with both Manchester City and Maresca personally, with the former head coach also paying compensation to the club.

Chelsea used the occasion to draw a pointed contrast with their incoming manager. “In Xabi Alonso, we have a manager who has an exceptional football mind and is a professional of the highest integrity,” the statement continued. “He has all the attributes to deliver the success the club’s supporters deserve and expect.”

Alonso, most recently in charge of Real Madrid and previously lauded for his work at Bayer Leverkusen, takes over a Chelsea side that slumped to tenth in the Premier League last season. The club cycled through Liam Rosenior and interim boss Calum McFarlane after Maresca’s resignation.

The reunion between Maresca and his former club is already dated in the calendar. Chelsea travel to the Etihad Stadium on December 12, while Maresca’s potential return to Stamford Bridge is pencilled in for April 24.