Story perspectives

Guardiola Exits City; Maresca Named Successor Amid Sabbatical

5/21/2026

Summary

Guardiola Departs

Manchester City announced Pep Guardiola will leave at the end of the season and named Enzo Maresca as his successor.
Guardiola will take a year-long sabbatical before coaching a national team.
His final match, the 593rd, will be against Aston Villa on Sunday.
Maresca is being courted by AC Milan, Tottenham Hotspur and Real Madrid.

Summary

Chelsea Demands Compensation

Chelsea are preparing to demand a sizeable compensation payment from Manchester City for Enzo Maresca’s departure.
Since Maresca did not claim severance, co-owner Behdad Eghbali warned Chelsea could lodge a formal Premier League complaint if the clubs cannot agree on compensation.
Manchester City’s hierarchy expects the issue to be resolved smoothly without delaying Maresca’s three-year contract, adding another line to an already expensive summer recruitment bill.

History

Historical Context

After José Mourinho guided Porto to the 2004 Champions League, Chelsea hired him in summer 2004, and his side set Premier League records with 25 clean sheets and only 15 goals conceded, clinching the club’s first league title in 50 years in 2004-05. The 2004 precedent now informs current Premier League compensation debates.

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Guardiola Departs

Manchester City announced Pep Guardiola will leave at the end of the season and named Enzo Maresca as his successor.
Guardiola will take a year-long sabbatical before coaching a national team.
His final match, the 593rd, will be against Aston Villa on Sunday.
Maresca is being courted by AC Milan, Tottenham Hotspur and Real Madrid.

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