Former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca is set to face his old club next season
Chelsea are set to cross paths with former manager Enzo Maresca next season. The Italian coach has been confirmed as Pep Guardiola’s successor at Manchester City, having initially held talks over the role while still in charge of the Blues.
Chelsea are set to be awkwardly reunited with Maresca on December 12 when the club travel to the Etihad Stadium. His appointment as City boss marks Maresca’s third spell at the club, having previously coached their elite development squad and been one of Guardiola’s assistant coaches.
The 46-year-old’s potential return to Stamford Bridge, where new Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso will occupy his old spot in the dugout, is scheduled for April 24. Maresca was in charge of the Blues for 18 months, winning the UEFA Conference League and FIFA Club World Cup, before stepping down on New Year’s Day.
Chelsea have received £17million after reaching a settlement with City, who held talks with Maresca during last season. Upon Maresca agreeing to a three-year deal in his new job, Chelsea released a club statement addressing the reasons for the former manager’s departure.
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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.
“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 continued: “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.
“Looking forward to next season, in Xabi Alonso, we have a manager who has an exceptional football mind and is a professional of the highest integrity. He has all the attributes to deliver the success the club’s supporters deserve and expect.”
The Blues will hope for an improved campaign under new boss Alonso, who was most recently in charge of Real Madrid and previously enjoyed notable success with Bayer Leverkusen. Chelsea finished 10th in the Premier League after appointing Liam Rosenior as Maresca’s replacement and ending the season with interim boss Calum McFarlane in charge.
After being named City manager, Maresca acknowledged his contribution to Chelsea’s disappointing season by issuing 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.
“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.”
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