Chelsea are far from happy with their former manager Enzo Maresca, who has just been announced as the new Manchester City boss.
Maresca resigned as Chelsea head coach at the start of the year, and following his appointment as Pep Guardiola’s successor, the Blues hit out at the Italian in a very lengthy statement.
You can forgive Chelsea for feeling betrayed by Maresca after his decision to quit the club midseason. Nevertheless, they should have no regrets about hiring him.
Who will be a bigger success – Enzo Maresca or Xabi Alonso? 🤔
City have confirmed Maresca will replace Guardiola.
Chelsea receive £17m compensation fee for Enzo Maresca
Things may have ended badly between Chelsea and Maresca, but the Blues have still really benefited from his appointment.
For example, according to The Guardian, Chelsea have received £17m in compensation as a result of the 46-year-old’s move to the Etihad.
That is a huge fee for a manager. To put it into context, it is believed Chelsea paid Leicester City £10m for Maresca back in 2024, so they have actually managed to make a profit from their former head coach’s departure.
Enzo Maresca won two major trophies for Chelsea
During his time at Stamford Bridge, Maresca guided Chelsea to two major honours: the Club World Cup and Conference League.
He delivered a tactical masterclass in the Club World Cup final as his side went on to beat European champions Paris Saint-Germain 3-0.
The season before that, Chelsea failed to win anything, while they went trophyless last term following his exit. Chelsea aimed a dig at Maresca in their recent statement, understandably frustrated with the manner of his departure in January, but he did a lot of good work in west London.
- READ MORE: Why Xabi Alonso is a better coach for Malo Gusto than Enzo Maresca as Chelsea star makes decision
Enzo Maresca got Chelsea back into the Champions League
Most importantly, Maresca achieved Chelsea’s main goal while in the Stamford Bridge dugout. The new City boss oversaw the club’s return to the Champions League.
He is the only manager hired by BlueCo who has managed to accomplish qualification for Europe’s elite competition.
It has been a messy divorce, but there were some good times, giving Chelsea no reason to have any regrets about turning to the ex-Leicester manager two years ago.
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