Chelsea have said former head coach Enzo Maresca’s mid-season resignation disrupted the club’s 2025/26 campaign, while confirming that compensation agreements have been reached following his appointment as Manchester City manager.
In a statement published on the club’s website on Monday, Chelsea said Maresca’s departure during the Christmas period contributed significantly to what it described as a “hugely disappointing” season and forced the club into an unwanted managerial change midway through the campaign.
According to Chelsea, the situation began in the autumn of 2025 when Maresca informed club officials that he could have the opportunity to succeed Pep Guardiola as Manchester City manager at the end of the season.
The club said it became clear Maresca was determined to pursue the role despite being under a long-term contract at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea stated: “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.
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“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.”
Chelsea added that they had no choice but to accept Maresca’s resignation in order to protect the interests of the club, its players and supporters.
The statement continued: “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.”
Chelsea also confirmed that Maresca will personally pay compensation to the club following his move to Manchester City.
Maresca, 46, has signed a three-year contract with Manchester City to replace Guardiola, who stepped down in May after 10 years in charge.
According to the BBC, Manchester City agreed to pay Chelsea about £17 million in compensation, although the club said that agreement is separate from the confidential settlement reached directly with Maresca.
The Italian later acknowledged that he resigned from Chelsea, saying it created the opportunity for him to join Manchester City. He also apologised to Chelsea supporters on Instagram.
“The decision was only mine,” Maresca wrote.
“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.”
Chelsea ended the statement by expressing confidence in new head coach Xabi Alonso, describing him as “a professional of the highest integrity” with “an exceptional football mind” capable of leading the club forward.
