Chelsea have released a strongly worded club statement explaining Enzo Maresca’s mid-season exit and confirming confidential settlements with Manchester City and their former head coach.
Chelsea said the 2025/26 season was “hugely disappointing” and pointed to the disruption caused by a head-coach change over Christmas.
The club stated that it had been informed last autumn that Maresca may have the chance to succeed Pep Guardiola at the end of the season.
Chelsea said it became clear that Maresca had a “strong desire” to pursue that opportunity, despite being under a long-term contract.
The statement then said Maresca “unexpectedly and abruptly resigned” in December 2025 before leaving the club on 1 January 2026.
Chelsea added that they felt “let down” because they believed his “head and heart” were focused on another club.
Chelsea Confirm Confidential Settlements
Chelsea said no club wants to change head coach midway through a season.
However, the statement added that Maresca’s decision not to continue fulfilling his responsibilities left the club with no choice but to protect the players, supporters and badge.
The club confirmed a confidential settlement has been reached with Manchester City, including compensation.
Chelsea also said a confidential settlement has been reached with Maresca, under which he will pay compensation.
That follows earlier reporting from The Guardian, which said City were close to a financial settlement with Chelsea over Maresca’s move.
The Times also reported that Maresca had agreed a three-year deal to become Manchester City manager.
ReadChelsea has already covered how Xabi Alonso’s arrival gives Chelsea a new managerial reset after a chaotic season.
Chelsea ended their statement by backing Alonso, describing him as a manager with an “exceptional football mind” and “professional of the highest integrity”.
For Chelsea, this is more than an explanation of an old exit.
It is an attempt to draw a line under the Maresca fallout and frame Alonso as the clean break before next season.
