Manchester City have confirmed the appointment of Enzo Maresca as the club’s next manager after the loss of Pep Guardiola, and Chelsea have posted their own statement.
The two sides have been locked in talks regarding a compensation fee, despite Maresca resigning from his post as Chelsea manager on New Year’s Day. Now, six months later, Maresca has joined Man City.
Do you think Chelsea should have parted with Enzo Maresca?🤔
It has been suggested over the last six months that the reason for compensation was due to Maresca resigning from his post because he had been approached by Man City, which has now been confirmed.
Chelsea’s form over the Christmas period dipped, including a 3-1 humiliation at Leeds United. Reports say that Man City have paid Chelsea a fee of £17m for Maresca, having tempted him into leaving Chelsea.
Chelsea aim dig at Enzo Maresca after Man City confirmation
Chelsea’s dismal second half to the season can be put down to Liam Rosenior’s appointment, or even the players deciding not to turn up. But a big part of it was that Maresca decided to resign from his post.
Chelsea have confirmed that a compensation fee will be received from both Man City and Maresca, too. In their statement, they aim a dig at Maresca – by suggesting Xabi Alonso would not be so callous.
“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,” Chelsea write in the final part of their statement.
They continue to underline how Alonso not only has the quality to deliver, but to meet the standards set by the fans: “He has all the attributes to deliver the success the Club’s supporters deserve and expect.”
Enzo Maresca vs Xabi Alonso: The managerial numbers so far
It is common knowledge that Maresca was always going to be the man to replace Guardiola, whether he was still in a job at Chelsea or elsewhere. Turns out, he has been out of work since leaving Chelsea.
What target are you setting Xabi Alonso in his first season as Chelsea manager?👀
Other clubs made approaches to try and hire Maresca, including Tottenham. Now, Maresca will go up against Chelsea and Alonso next season – but how do their managerial careers compare until this date?
Maresca has worked under Guardiola, guided Leicester to promotion and won two trophies at Chelsea. Alonso secured the Bundesliga title and impressed at Madrid, even if Spanish media suggest otherwise.
Alonso has 112 wins in 174 matches as a manager, winning three trophies and reaching a Europa League final. That’s a win rate of 64%, while Maresca has won 95 of 159 at a rate of 60% as well as three titles.
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