Chelsea have issued a controversial statement explaining the circumstances behind Enzo Maresca's departure from the club, on the same day that Manchester City formally confirmed the Italian as Pep Guardiola's successor.
The timing of the statement is unlikely to be coincidental, with Chelsea making their feelings very clear about how Maresca's exit was handled back in December, despite the two clubs reaching what's described as a mutual settlement.
It's a rare and direct intervention from the Blues, who have chosen to set the record straight on a saga that they believe derailed their season.
Chelsea Explain why Maresca Left
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca after losing to Manchester United
In the statement, Chelsea acknowledged that the 2025/26 campaign had been a "hugely disappointing" one, pointing to the upheaval caused by Maresca's exit as a major factor.
Chelsea finished the Premier League season in 10th, a dismal season by their standards. Maresca had them sitting in 5th place at the time of his departure, which would have been good enough for a place in next season's Champions League, a tournament they won just five years ago, but the Blues will now have to settle for no European football at all.
The club revealed they were informed in autumn that an opportunity to succeed Guardiola may arise, and it quickly became clear it was something Maresca was determined to pursue, despite being under a long-term contract.
"In December 2025, our Head Coach unexpectedly and abruptly resigned from his position," the statement read, adding that Chelsea felt his "head and heart were focused on another club and another opportunity, despite having just arrived at Chelsea the year before."
Read Chelsea's full statement below:
"Chelsea FC appreciates the 2025/26 season was a hugely disappointing one for the Club and its supporters. 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.
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.
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."
Maresca Responds as Focus Shifts to Xabi Alonso
xabi alonso real madrid-1
Chelsea confirmed a confidential settlement had been reached with both Manchester City and Maresca himself, which includes compensation being paid to the club on both fronts. Maresca has since responded to the statement, offering something of an apology for the timing of his exit.
"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."
Despite the frustration being evident throughout the statement, Chelsea were quick to turn attention to the future, praising new head coach Xabi Alonso as a manager with an "exceptional football mind" and a "professional of the highest integrity."
The club also added that Alonso has "all the attributes to deliver the success the Club's supporters deserve and expect," drawing a clear line under the Maresca saga as they look to move forward under their new appointment.