Chelsea ‘to make legal complaint’ about Man City and Pep Guardiola replacement | Football | Sport

Maresca is a frontrunner for the position after leaving Chelsea on New Year’s Day in contentious circumstances. The Italian’s situation was considered untenable as they separated via mutual consent. It was claimed that Maresca told the club’s hierarchy that he’d held discussions with City regarding the prospect of succeeding Guardiola. That assertion has not been addressed by either club or challenged.

While Maresca had previously steered Chelsea to Club World Cup glory, a spell of one victory in seven Premier League fixtures suggested unrest and saw the Blues slip away from second in the table.

Maresca had also clashed with the board regarding transfers and insisted more experienced players were recruited before his exit.

The Telegraph now reports that Chelsea will pursue compensation from City, utilising the terms of Maresca’s departure from west London and the threat of revealing the events in the months preceding it.

It is additionally stated that Chelsea would be obliged to lodge a complaint with the Premier League for action to be taken against City.

Maresca failed to fulfil his post-match duties following a draw with Bournemouth on December 30, with his departure confirmed just days afterwards. There is said to be considerable frustration that the manager’s premature exit has damaged the club’s campaign.

In December, after securing victory over Everton, Maresca delivered a pointed barb. Speaking during his post-match press conference, he said: “Since I joined the club, the last 48 hours have been the worst because many people didn’t support us.”

The Conference League-winning manager suggested the comment was aimed ‘in general’ before emphasising he was ‘very happy with the fans’.

Maresca is no stranger to City, having previously worked for the club on two separate occasions. He spent a spell managing City’s under-23s during 2020/21 and served as Guardiola’s assistant in 2022/23 before guiding Leicester to Championship success and securing his switch to Chelsea.

Guardiola heaped praise on Maresca following the Italian’s departure while lauding his own surroundings.

“All I can say is that from my point of view Chelsea have lost an incredible manager and person,” he said.

“It’s a decision from the Chelsea hierarchy so I’ve nothing to say. How lucky I am in the club where I am. My club is extraordinary.”

It was revealed on Monday night that Guardiola was poised to depart City following matches against Bournemouth and Aston Villa.

City are chasing a final piece of silverware in the Premier League but need Arsenal to falter for the former Barcelona boss to add to his 20 trophies at the club.

Guardiola is reportedly furious that news of his departure was leaked on the eve of a crucial title race encounter. He was left with no choice but to confirm his exit to players during a late-night phone call.