Chelsea have issued a strongly worded statement following the official appointment of Enzo Maresca as Manchester City’s new manager, expressing their disappointment over the Italian’s decision to leave Stamford Bridge before the end of his long-term project.
The Blues described the 2025/26 campaign as a “hugely disappointing season” and suggested that much of the instability surrounding the club stemmed from Maresca’s desire to succeed Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. According to Chelsea, they first became aware of his intentions during the autumn of 2025, despite the coach being under a long-term contract.
In their statement, Chelsea stressed that Maresca had no contractual right to leave the club unilaterally and claimed his insistence on joining Manchester City forced them into an unexpected managerial change at a crucial stage of the season. The club added that they felt let down by the timing of his departure, believing it disrupted their plans both on and off the pitch.
The statement read thus,
“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.”
The former Chelsea boss has since admitted that the decision to leave west London was his own, apologizing to Chelsea supporters for the manner of his exit while expressing his excitement about returning to the Etihad Stadium.
Read also: Chelsea confirms the appointment of Xabi Alonso
Chelsea are now expected to accelerate their search for a new permanent manager as they look to rebuild ahead of the 2026/27 season, while Manchester City begin a new era under Maresca following Guardiola’s successful reign.
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Chelsea have issued a strongly worded statement following the official appointment of Enzo Maresca as Manchester City’s new manager, expressing their disappointment over the Italian’s decision to leave Stamford Bridge before the end of his long-term project. The Blues described the 2025/26 campaign as a “hugely disappointing season” and suggested that much of the instability
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