Chelsea hit out at Maresca over Manchester City switch

Chelsea have publicly criticised former head coach Enzo Maresca following his official appointment as Manchester City manager, accusing the Italian of focusing on the Etihad job long before leaving Stamford Bridge.

In a strongly worded statement released on Monday, Chelsea explained the circumstances surrounding Maresca’s departure and notably avoided mentioning the Italian by name throughout the statement.

The club admitted the 2025/26 season had fallen below expectations and blamed part of the disappointment on the disruption caused by the mid-season change in management.

“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,” the statement said.

The club added: “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 January 1, 2026.”

Chelsea said they first became aware during the autumn of Maresca’s ambition to replace Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.

“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.”

The club also claimed Maresca’s resignation left it 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.

“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 confirmed that a confidential compensation agreement had been reached with Manchester City, while a separate confidential settlement was also agreed with Maresca.

Responding after his unveiling by City, Maresca accepted responsibility for the timing of his departure.

“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.”

The Italian also apologised to Chelsea supporters for the disruption caused by his exit.

“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.”

Despite the bitter exit, Chelsea ended the statement by shifting attention to the future under new head coach Xabi Alonso, who has already taken charge at Stamford Bridge.

In what appeared to be a final swipe at Maresca, the club praised Alonso’s professionalism and character.

Chelsea said: “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.”