Chelsea to file 'legal complaint' about Man City as Pep Guardiola replacement lined up

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Chelsea are lining up a legal battle with Manchester City in the event that former boss Enzo Maresca is appointed as Pep Guardiola's replacement. City are faced with the stiff task of finding a successor for the Catalan coach, who is set to bring his Etihad career to an end after a decade at the club.

Maresca is a leading contender for the role after departing Chelsea on New Year's Day in controversial circumstances. The Italian's position was deemed untenable as they parted via mutual consent .

It was alleged that Maresca revealed to the club's hierarchy that he'd engaged in conversation with City over the possibility of replacing Guardiola. That claim has not been commented on by either club or disputed.

While Maresca had previously guided Chelsea to Club World Cup glory, a run of one win in seven Premier League matches hinted at disquiet and saw the Blues fall away from second in the division . Maresca had also clashed with the board over transfers and demanded more senior players were signed before his departure.

The Telegraph now reports that Chelsea will seek compensation from City, using the terms of Maresca's exit from west London and the threat of disclosing the events in the months leading up to it. It is further stated that Chelsea would be required to bring a complaint to the Premier League for action to be taken against City.

Mirror Sport has approached both clubs for comment.

Maresca did not conduct his post-match obligations following a draw with Bournemouth on December 30, and his departure arrived days later. There is said to be some frustration that the coach's early exit undermined the club's season.

In December, following a win over Everton , Maresca put out a pointed jibe. Speaking in his post-match press conference, he said: "Since I joined the club, the last 48 hours have been the worst because many people didn't support us."

The Conference League-winning coach suggested it was meant 'in general' before noting he was 'very happy with the fans'.

Maresca is a familiar face at City, having twice worked for the club. He spent time in charge of City's under-23s in 2020/21 and was an assistant to Guardiola in 2022/23 before he led Leicester to Championship glory and earned his move to Chelsea.

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Guardiola was full of praise for Maresca following the Italian's exit and praised his own environment. “All I can say is that from my point of view Chelsea have lost an incredible manager and person,” he said.

“It’s a decision from the Chelsea hierarchy so I’ve nothing to say. How lucky I am in the club where I am. My club is extraordinary.”

It emerged on Monday that Guardiola was set to leave City after taking charge of matches against Bournemouth and Aston Villa . City are eyeing a final piece of silverware in the Premier League but require Arsenal to slip up for the former Barcelona star to add to his 20 trophies at the club.

The Premier League legend is said to be furious that news of his Manchester City exit was broken on the eve of a monumental match in the title race. Guardiola was forced to confirm his departure to players in a late-night phone call.