Chelsea are preparing a legal complaint against Manchester City over their pursuit of former head coach Enzo Maresca, unless the clubs agree on compensation. The Blues are angry over allegations that Maresca held talks with City while still in charge at Stamford Bridge earlier this season.
Maresca left Chelsea on January 2 in acrimonious circumstances after skipping post-match media duties following a draw with Bournemouth. His position had become untenable following a poor run of one win in seven Premier League games. He is now expected to replace Pep Guardiola at City, who is set to depart after a decade in charge.
Chelsea co-owner Behdad Eghbali said last month that “the change wasn’t the club’s decision” and admitted the exit had a “negative impact on the season.” Reports say Chelsea will seek compensation from City and could disclose details of Maresca’s departure if talks break down. Under Premier League rules, Chelsea would need to lodge a formal complaint for the league to investigate.
Neither club has commented publicly. Maresca, 46, has not spoken publicly since leaving Chelsea and is understood not to have received a major payout. City are yet to confirm Guardiola’s exit or Maresca’s appointment.
