Manchester City face frustration in their pursuit of former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca as they look to replace Pep Guardiola.
Manchester City are struggling to agree on a compensation package with Chelsea for Enzo Maresca’s appointment, per a report from Football Insider. City are pushing hard to seal it before pre-season starts in July, but have been left frustrated by Chelsea’s handling of the Italian manager’s departure, as reported by TEAMtalk.
Maresca parted ways with the London club at the start of the year following disagreements with the club’s ownership. While he was sacked, he still had another three-and-a-half years left on his £4 million-per-year deal.
Since he remains on their payroll, Chelsea are seeking significant compensation to allow him to join another club, while City have been negotiating hard to reach an agreement. Pep Guardiola confirmed in May that he would be leaving the club.
The Spanish manager himself vouched for the appointment of Maresca, who previously worked under him at City as an assistant before taking charge at Leicester City. With pre-season scheduled for July, City are under time pressure to finalise Maresca as their tactical successor.
Will City finally secure Maresca’s services?
Maresca has proven his credibility during his time at Leicester and Chelsea, and City identified him as an ideal replacement for Guardiola back in January, when there was already uncertainty around the Spanish manager’s future.
Hugo Viana, City’s director of football, is pushing hard to get the deal across the line. City initially believed Maresca was effectively free to move, as they were permitted to discuss personal terms with him, while the issue of compensation was yet to be discussed.
However, compensation has now become a significant obstacle. Talks between the two parties continue, and there is some progress of late, per TEAMtalk. Maresca’s camp believed there was an understanding with Chelsea that they would not seek massive compensation.
But the Blues insist no such agreement existed and are holding firm on a substantial fee. While the situation has frustrated City, both clubs remain confident that an agreement will be reached.