Chelsea have broken their silence over Enzo Maresca’s controversial departure from Stamford Bridge, releasing a detailed statement after the Italian coach completed his move to Manchester City.
The Blues admitted the 2025/26 season was a disappointing campaign for the club and supporters, with Maresca’s mid-season exit described as a major disruption to their plans.
Chelsea revealed that Maresca had informed the club months earlier about the possibility of replacing Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, despite still being under a long-term contract at Stamford Bridge.
According to the club, Maresca’s decision to leave in December 2025 left them with no option but to accept his resignation and protect the team’s interests.
“Chelsea FC appreciates the 2025/26 season was a hugely disappointing one for the Club and its supporters,” the club’s statement read.
“A major contributing factor was the disruption caused as a result of changes that the Club was forced to make to the Head Coach position over the Christmas period.
“Due to recent developments, we consider that it is important to explain to our supporters what happened and why our former Head Coach left the Club on 1 January 2026.
“In Autumn last year, the Club was informed by our former Head Coach that there might be an opportunity for him to succeed Pep Guardiola at the end of the season.
“It became clear to us that it was his strong desire to succeed Guardiola and that he was fully committed to pursuing the opportunity, despite the fact he was under a long-term contract which he had no right to terminate.
“In December 2025, our Head Coach unexpectedly and abruptly resigned from his position. Obviously, we felt let down as we believed that his head and heart were focused on another club and another opportunity, despite having just arrived at Chelsea the year before.
“No club wants to change its head coach midway through a season. However, in light of his decision not to continue fulfilling his responsibilities through to the end of the season, the Club was left with no choice but to protect our players, our supporters, and the Badge and accept his resignation.”
The club confirmed that a confidential agreement had been reached with Manchester City, which included compensation payments connected to Maresca’s move.
Chelsea also revealed that a separate settlement was reached with the former manager, under which Maresca would pay compensation.
“In the circumstances and given the mutual respect between clubs, a confidential settlement has been reached with Manchester City, which includes the payment of compensation.
“A confidential settlement has also been reached with the former Head Coach under which he will pay compensation.”
Following Maresca’s departure, Chelsea turned their attention towards Xabi Alonso, describing their new manager as a coach with outstanding football knowledge and strong professional values.
“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. He has all the attributes to deliver the success the Club’s supporters deserve and expect.”
The managerial switch marks another major chapter in Chelsea’s rebuilding process, while Maresca begins a new challenge at Manchester City following Guardiola’s era.
Toosin is a dedicated sports writer with a strong background in crafting engaging and insightful content. With experience at Goal, he has developed a sharp editorial sense and a refined storytelling approach that brings depth and perspective to sports journalism. His passion for the game goes beyond the headlines, as he captures both the excitement of the sport and the compelling human narratives behind each event. Toosin’s work resonates with a broad and diverse audience, making global sports stories accessible, relatable, and impactful.
