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Chelsea Football Club has issued an official statement addressing the circumstances surrounding the departure of former Head Coach Enzo Maresca and the disruption that affected the club during the 2025/26 season.
The club acknowledged that the campaign was “a hugely disappointing one for the Club and its supporters,” adding that a key factor behind the poor season 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.”
Explaining the timing and context of Maresca’s exit, Chelsea said it was necessary to clarify “what happened and why our former Head Coach left the Club on 1 January 2026.”
According to the statement, tensions began earlier in the year after the club was informed that Maresca “might be an opportunity for him to succeed Pep Guardiola at the end of the season.” Chelsea added that it became clear the Italian coach had a “strong desire to succeed Guardiola” and was “fully committed to pursuing the opportunity,” despite being under a long-term contract he could not unilaterally terminate.
The situation escalated in December 2025 when Maresca “unexpectedly and abruptly resigned from his position.” The club said it felt “let down,” believing his focus had shifted toward “another club and another opportunity” despite his having arrived only the previous year.
Chelsea noted that while no club intends to change head coaches mid-season, Maresca’s decision left it with “no choice but to protect our players, our supporters, and the Badge and accept his resignation.”
The statement concluded by confirming that “a confidential settlement has been reached with Manchester City,” along with a separate agreement with Maresca under which he will also pay compensation.
