Enzo Maresca has apologised to Chelsea for resigning in January, a decision he now admits 'opened a path' for him to become Manchester City's new head coach. The 46-year-old Italian, who succeeds Pep Guardiola after his departure in May, has signed a three-year deal at the Etihad. His appointment was held up by talks between Chelsea and City over a compensation package, with one source telling BBC Sport that Manchester City are paying Chelsea about £17m. Chelsea have said that Maresca will pay them compensation separately, though BBC Sport is yet to verify the details. Maresca left Chelsea in January following a run of one win in seven Premier League matches. At the time, the club's statement suggested the decision was mutual, but Maresca has now confirmed he handed in his resignation. 'The decision was only mine,' he wrote on Instagram. 'I recognise that my departure from Chelsea in the middle of the season caused disruption for the club and I apologise for that. It was neither my intention nor my wish.' His resignation proved damaging to Chelsea's season, contributing to a chaotic campaign in which they finished 10th and sacked another manager, costing the club millions in lost television revenue. It also led to a prolonged legal dispute that has only recently been resolved. For Chelsea, Maresca's first season will still be remembered as their most successful under owners Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital, as they qualified for the Champions League for the only time in four years since acquiring the club from Roman Abramovich.
In another move this summer, midfielder Dan Neil has joined Rangers from Sunderland on a three-year deal. The 24-year-old former England Under-20 international departs the Black Cats on a free transfer after eight years, having spent the second half of last season on loan at Ipswich Town in the Championship. Neil, who made 201 appearances for his boyhood club, expects 'a very similar feeling' of trying to meet expectations at Rangers. 'I have played for Sunderland for a number of years and the weight and expectation of the fans to win every week and the feeling of it making or breaking people's weekends is something that drives me,' he said. 'I've spoken to many people who have been here and they said it's a very similar feeling, and as a character and a person that really drives me to give 110 per cent day in and day out, and I need that in my career.' Rangers have also signed defenders Ben Godfrey and Ross McCrorie, forward Lawrence Shankland and goalkeeper Ivor Pandur this summer, while appointing Derek McInnes as manager from Hearts. 'He is a technically-gifted midfielder who is strong in possession, can contribute goals and brings tremendous energy to the team,' McInnes said of Neil. 'At 24, we are signing a player who is hungry and ambitious, but who already possesses significant experience and leadership qualities, having captained Sunderland to promotion to the Premier League in 2025.'
“Enzo Maresca to pay Chelsea compensation as Dan Neil joins Rangers on a three-year deal.”