Chelsea have said they felt “let down” by Enzo Maresca after the Italian made it clear he wanted to succeed Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, revealing that his desire to take over at the Etihad ultimately led to his resignation midway through last season.
The Premier League club disclosed this in a statement published on its website on Monday, hours after Manchester City confirmed Maresca as Guardiola’s successor on a three-year contract.
Chelsea said it decided to explain the circumstances surrounding the Italian’s departure because supporters deserved to know why the club was forced into a mid-season managerial change during what it described as a disappointing 2025/26 campaign.
According to the club, Maresca informed Chelsea in the autumn of 2025 that he could have an opportunity to replace 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,” the club said.
Chelsea stated that Maresca unexpectedly resigned in December 2025, leaving the club with little option but to accept his decision.
“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 statement read.
The club maintained that no team wants to replace its manager in the middle of a season but said it had to protect the interests of the players, supporters and the club after Maresca indicated he would not continue in the role.
“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 added.
The London club also disclosed that confidential settlement agreements had been reached with both Manchester City and Maresca, with compensation forming part of the arrangements, although the financial terms were not made public.
Looking ahead, Chelsea expressed confidence in new manager Xabi Alonso, describing him as “a professional of the highest integrity” with the qualities needed to restore the club’s fortunes.
“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,” the statement added.
