Man City set to face legal action from Chelsea over plans to appoint Enzo Maresca

A legal complaint could be launched within weeks...

According to a report in the Telegraph, the Blues are "shaping up for a legal battle" over the "contested circumstances" in which Maresca departed Stamford Bridge in January.

The official terms of the split between Maresca and the Chelsea hierarchy were never made public, but there were widespread suggestions that the Italian head coach had held discussions with Man City while still employed by the Blues.

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The expectation is that Chelsea will seek to obtain compensation from City over the appointment, according to the Telegraph's report.

For any legal action to be made, the Blues would first be required to level a complaint with the Premier League, who would investigate under their own rules.

From that point, the complaint could be escalated.

Per the report, Chelsea will first wait until Pep Guradiola's departure is complete, and Maresca is formally made the next Man City manager before launching their legal complaint over the appointment.

Aside from his feats at Stamford Bridge, winning both the Conference League and Club World Cup, Maresca was reportedly seen as an attractive candidate to the Citizens due to his familiarity with the club earned during coaching stints at the Etihad.

Beginning with the U23s, Maresca worked his way up to becoming one of Pep Guradiola's most trusted tactical assistants at the Etihad.

Already his reputation as a coach was growing, and it wouldn't take long for the first managerial post to come calling for Maresca.

Recently relegated Leicester City appointed Maresca ahead of the 2023/24 Championship season, and brought them right back where they belong, at the very first time of asking.

Next it was Chelsea. Joining in 2024, under their new Italian head coach, it is fair to say the Blues endured their only period of genuine progress since the arrival of new owners BlueCo.