Chelsea are set for an awkward reunion with former boss Enzo Maresca next season after Manchester City paid £17 million in compensation for his appointment. The Italian manager has been confirmed as Pep Guardiola's replacement at City, having initially entered discussions over the position while still in charge of his old club.
Reunion Dates Confirmed
Chelsea will face Maresca on December 12 when they travel to the Etihad Stadium. His potential return to Stamford Bridge, where new Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso will take his place in the dugout, is pencilled in for April 24. Maresca oversaw the Blues for 18 months, winning the UEFA Conference League and FIFA Club World Cup, before resigning on New Year's Day.
Chelsea received £17 million in compensation following a settlement with City, who entered talks with Maresca last season. Upon Maresca agreeing to a three-year contract, Chelsea issued a pointed club statement outlining the circumstances behind his exit.
Club Statement Outlines Disappointment
The statement read: "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 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."
It continued: "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."
The statement added: "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."
Maresca's Apology and New Role
Following his appointment as City manager, Maresca acknowledged his role in Chelsea's turbulent season by posting an apology on social media. He wrote: "At the end of December 2025, I made the difficult decision to leave Chelsea. 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."
He added: "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. 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."
New Era Under Xabi Alonso
Chelsea will be hoping for a much-improved showing under new manager Alonso, who was most recently in charge of Real Madrid and previously earned widespread acclaim during his time at Bayer Leverkusen. Chelsea ended up in 10th place in the Premier League after bringing in Liam Rosenior as Maresca's successor, before finishing the campaign with interim boss Calum McFarlane at the helm.
