Chelsea have finally responded to Enzo Maresca’s move to Manchester City, accusing the Italian of abandoning the club midway through a long-term project and admitting his departure left Stamford Bridge in a difficult position.
The Premier League side released a detailed statement shortly after Manchester City unveiled Maresca as Pep Guardiola’s successor, insisting they were disappointed by the manner of his exit and the timing of his decision.
According to Chelsea, concerns first emerged in the autumn of 2025 after Maresca informed the club that he could have an opportunity to replace Guardiola at the Etihad. The Blues claimed it soon became obvious that the Italian was determined to take the job despite still being tied to a long-term contract.
The club maintained that Maresca’s unexpected resignation in December forced an unwanted managerial change during a crucial stage of the season, something they believe contributed to a disappointing 2025/26 campaign.
The statement read:
“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.”
Chelsea also confirmed that confidential compensation agreements had been reached with both Manchester City and Maresca following his departure.
Meanwhile, Maresca has accepted responsibility for his exit, admitting that the decision to resign was entirely his own. The Italian also apologised to Chelsea supporters, acknowledging that leaving in the middle of the season disrupted the club’s plans, while expressing his excitement at returning to Manchester City, where he previously worked as Guardiola’s assistant.
Attention now turns to the 2026/27 campaign, with Chelsea preparing for a fresh chapter under Xabi Alonso, while Manchester City begin life after Guardiola with Maresca tasked with building on the club’s recent era of success.