Chelsea have slammed Enzo Maresca after the Italian was appointed as the Manchester City manager. The Blues are furious at his exit from the club midway through the 2025/26 season.
In a statement released by Chelsea, they have confirmed that Maresca was in talks to take over at Manchester City from October 2025, while he was under contract at Stamford Bridge. They add that the Italian resigned from his role in December, and the club was forced to accept it to protect themselves.
The FIFA Club World Cup champions hinted that the new Manchester City manager had downed his tools and said:
"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."
Enzo Maresca has also released a statement, admitting that he made the decision to leave Chelsea in December 2025. He added that the resignation was to open the path back to Manchester City, but added that he did not want to disrupt things at Stamford Bridge.
Manchester City pay heavy compensation to Chelsea for Enzo Maresca
Manchester City were keen to appoint Enzo Maresca as the successor to Pep Guardiola, but had to agree compensation with Chelsea before signing a deal with the Italian. Reports suggest that the Premier League runners-up have paid the Blues £17 million for the manager.
Enzo Maresca, who worked as Guardiola's assistant, has now signed a 3-year deal with Manchester City. Meanwhile, the London side appointed Liam Rosenior as his replacement in January 2026, only to sack him in April.
The Blues have now appointed Xabi Alonso as their new manager.