Chelsea have broken their silence on the departure of former head coach Enzo Maresca, saying his unexpected mid-season exit played a major role in the club’s disappointing 2025/26 campaign.
In a statement released on Monday, the Premier League club explained that Maresca’s resignation during the Christmas period disrupted the team’s plans and forced an unwanted managerial change halfway through the season.
According to Chelsea, the first indication of trouble came in the autumn of 2025 when Maresca informed club officials that he could have the opportunity to replace Pep Guardiola at Manchester City after the season.
“Chelsea FC appreciates the 2025/26 season was a hugely disappointing one for the Club and its supporters,” the statement read.
The club said it became clear that the Italian manager was determined to succeed Guardiola despite still being under a long-term contract at Stamford Bridge.
“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,” Chelsea stated.
Chelsea revealed that they eventually accepted Maresca’s resignation to protect the interests of the club, its players and supporters.
The Blues also confirmed that confidential compensation agreements had been reached with both Manchester City and Maresca following his departure.
Looking ahead, Chelsea expressed confidence in new manager Xabi Alonso, describing him as a coach with exceptional ability and the right qualities to lead the club back to success.
The statement is the first official explanation from Chelsea regarding the circumstances surrounding Maresca’s exit, one of the club’s biggest talking points during the 2025/26 season.
Source: Chelsea FC
