Chelsea on Monday explained the dramatic departure of former head coach Enzo Maresca, blaming his mid-season resignation for derailing what the club described as a “hugely disappointing” 2025/26 campaign.
- +Chelsea blame Maresca’s mid-season exit for poor 2025/26 season
In a statement published on the club’s website, Chelsea said the disruption caused by Maresca’s exit during the Christmas period played a significant role in the team’s struggles and forced the club into an unwanted managerial change halfway through the season.
In a statement published on the club’s website, Chelsea said the disruption caused by Maresca’s exit during the Christmas period played a significant role in the team’s struggles and forced the club into an unwanted managerial change halfway through the season.
According to Chelsea, the first signs of trouble emerged in the autumn of 2025, when Maresca informed club officials that he might have the opportunity to succeed Pep Guardiola as Manchester City manager at the end of the season.
The statement read, “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.”
The club claimed it soon became apparent that the Italian was determined to pursue the role despite being tied to a long-term contract at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea also confirmed that confidential settlements had been reached with both Manchester City and Maresca. The agreement with City includes compensation, while the former Chelsea boss will also pay compensation under a separate confidential settlement.
“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 the clubs, a confidential settlement has been reached with Manchester City, including the payment of compensation. A confidential settlement has also been reached with the former Head Coach under which he will pay compensation,” the statement added.
Looking ahead, Chelsea expressed confidence in new manager Xabi Alonso, describing him as “a professional of the highest integrity” with “an exceptional football mind” capable of restoring the club to success.
The statement marks the first time Chelsea have publicly explained the circumstances surrounding Maresca’s departure, offering supporters the club’s account of one of the most turbulent managerial changes in recent seasons.
