Chelsea release statement after Maresca appointment – 'We felt let down'

Chelsea have released a statement criticising the conduct of Enzo Maresca after he was confirmed as Manchester City’s new head coach, saying they were ”let down” by him, and that his ”head and heart were focused on another club”.

Maresca left Chelsea at the start of the year after just 18 months in charge, despite being under contract until 2029.

He has now been confirmed as Pep Guardiola’s successor at Man City, and Chelsea have said that the disruption caused by Maresca’s exit was a contributing factor in their disappointing season.

The club said in a statement: "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.”

Man City and Maresca have quickly responded with a statement of their own, with the club saying they "acknowledge the context in which permission for discussions was given" and "recognise that his departure mid-season was disruptive to Chelsea’s season".

Maresca added: "At the end of December 2025, I made the difficult decision to leave Chelsea.

"The decision was only mine. My resignation from Chelsea opened a path for me to join Manchester City, which is a club I knew very well. I am ecstatic that I have now joined Manchester City.

"I recognise that my departure from Chelsea in the middle of the season caused disruption for the club and I apologise for that. It was neither my intention nor my wish."

Maresca won the UEFA Conference League and Club World Cup during his time at Chelsea.

When he left, they were fifth in the Premier League, five places higher than they eventually finished.

Maresca has been linked with a return to Manchester City - where he has previously worked as Under-21 manager and assistant to Guardiola - for several months, but the clubs have only now agreed compensation packages.

Chelsea added: "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."

Man City also said: "We acknowledge Chelsea’s statement regarding the context of Enzo’s departure from Chelsea. We also acknowledge the context in which permission for discussions was given, and we recognise that his departure mid-season was disruptive to Chelsea’s season.

"Once terms were agreed with Enzo Maresca, Manchester City and Chelsea FC reached a mutually agreed settlement under which Chelsea FC will receive compensation."