Chelsea are preparing a legal complaint against Manchester City. The dispute is over City’s pursuit of former head coach Enzo Maresca. The complaint will be filed unless compensation is agreed, according to reports.
Sources in England claim Maresca held talks with City while still at Chelsea. This development angered senior figures at the west London club. The Italian is now expected to replace Pep Guardiola. That has raised tensions between the Premier League rivals.
If no settlement is reached, Chelsea could escalate the dispute to the Premier League for investigation. This was reported by The Sun.
At the CAA World Congress of Sports, co-owner Behdad Eghbali spoke about the coaching change. He said it was not the club’s decision.
“The change wasn’t the club’s decision, for reasons I can’t speak about legally.”
Behdad Eghbali
Eghbali added that the reasons would become clear in due course. He stressed the change was not what the club wanted.
“It’s a change that’s had a bit of a negative impact on the season, when you’re changing systems and personnel. And it’s one we’ve got to fight our way out of.”
Behdad Eghbali
Maresca’s sudden departure shocked supporters. Little explanation was given at the time. Relations between the Italian and club chiefs reportedly worsened in December. It later turned into a war of words.
Tensions increased after Maresca said he endured his “worst 48 hours” at Chelsea. That followed a Champions League defeat to Atalanta. He claimed he lacked backing from the club hierarchy.
Maresca was also accused of ignoring medical advice on player workload. News emerged of his talks with City and Juventus. His camp insisted Chelsea had been informed of the discussions.
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