Chelsea has issued a statement following Enzo Maresca's move to Manchester City, and the Blues have made their feelings clear about the Italian manager's departure from Stamford Bridge
Alex Richards
15:31, 29 Jun 2026Updated 15:40, 29 Jun 2026
Enzo Maresca is the new Manchester City boss
Enzo Maresca is the new Manchester City boss(Image: Getty Images)
Sometimes it's not about what you say, but what — or who — you choose not to acknowledge.
In a statement regarding Enzo Maresca's appointment as the new head coach of Manchester City, his previous employer, Chelsea, has expressed its sentiments unequivocally. Not once across 326 words do the west London outfit refer to the Italian by name. There's no reference to what he accomplished at Stamford Bridge, particularly guiding the Blues to last summer's Club World Cup triumph.
And the closing remarks about successor Xabi Alonso, when set against Maresca, well, they only reinforce the scathing nature of Chelsea's condemnation.
Chelsea's statement reads: "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.
Maresca and Pep Guardiola following a pre-season friendly between Chelsea and Manchester City
Maresca and Pep Guardiola following a pre-season friendly between Chelsea and Manchester City(Image: Getty Images)
"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.
The frustration from Chelsea is plain for all to see. Maresca had more than three years remaining on his deal when he departed Stamford Bridge, following a disappointing run of results and an irreparable breakdown in his relationship with the club's hierarchy.
City have since confirmed Maresca's appointment, having finally thrashed out a compensation package with Chelsea. The deal is understood to have set City back £17 million ($22.5 million) to secure its man.
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For his part, Maresca took to social media to address Chelsea supporters directly, writing: "At the end of December 2025, I made the difficult decision to leave Chelsea. The decision was only mine. My resignation from Chelsea opened a path for me to join Manchester City, which is a club I knew very well. I am ecstatic that I have now joined Manchester City.
"I recognize that my departure from Chelsea in the middle of the season caused disruption for the club, and I apologize for that. It was neither my intention nor my wish.
"I was treated well by everyone at Chelsea, and together we achieved great success and memories that I will always treasure. I am grateful to the club, the owners, and the fans for giving me the opportunity."