Chelsea release bombshell statement and reveal real reason for shock Enzo Maresca exit

Chelsea have issued a statement slamming Enzo Maresca just minutes after he was announced as the new Manchester City manager.

Confirmation that Maresca was taking over from Pep Guardiola arrived on Monday – nearly seven months to the day after the Italian walked out of Stamford Bridge.

It was widely reported that the reason for his exit was that he had fallen out with Chelsea’s ownership after being the Citizens over the prospect of returning to the Etihad to replace his former mentor Guardiola.

This story has never been confirmed until now, with a lengthy club statement accusing Maresca of disloyalty: ‘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.

‘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.’

Chelsea moved swiftly to hire Liam Rosenior from fellow Todd Boehly-owned club Strasbourg – a decision that proved disastrous, with the Englishman sacked after just 106 days in charge.

The Blues finished the season 10th in the Premier League and trophy-less, missing out on European qualification. Xabi Alonso has since been appointed as the club’s seventh manager in four years.

Maresca has signed a three-year contract with City, but was only able to do so after a compensation package was agreed between the Premier League giants, reported to be worth a whopping £17million.

‘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,’ Chelsea’s statement added.

‘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.’

Maresca was in charge of Chelsea for 18 months, winning the Club World Cup and UEFA Conference League in 2025.

Upon his announcement as City boss, the 46-year-old, sent an apology to Chelsea fans for the manner of his exit: ‘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.

‘I was treated well by everyone at Chelsea and together we achieved great success and memories that I will always treasure.

‘I am grateful to the club, the owners and the fans for giving me the opportunity.’

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