Chelsea have posted a scathing statement on social media after their former manager Enzo Maresca was revealed as Manchester City’s new boss on Monday
Chelsea have released a scathing statement after Enzo Maresca was hired by Manchester City on Monday (July 29) to replace Pep Guardiola.
Maresca, 46, has been handed the unenviable task of filling the boots of Guardiola, who walked away from City after ten years at the end of last season. Maresca had been his assistant at the Etihad before moving into management himself – including at Chelsea.
The Italian had the Blues flying, but resigned after he made it clear to Chelsea he had a “strong desire” to succeed Pep. In a statement Chelsea said: “Chelsea FC appreciates the 2025/26 season was a hugely disappointing one for the Club and its supporters.
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“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.“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.”
According to The Guardian, City have paid £17m in compensation to the Blues for the services of Maresca.
While a statement from the new City boss himself read: “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.”
While City’s Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak said: “Enzo is someone who has always sought out opportunities to challenge himself and succeed in his managerial career. He brings a personality, passion and intelligence completely aligned to our needs.
“He is re-joining an organisation that is entirely in lock-step with his ambition and hunger for achievement and his return to Manchester City is therefore a welcome natural next step for both him and the Club.
“Enzo inherits a squad and football organisation perfectly suited to reflect and evolve his brand of football, and we are all very much looking forward to seeing the impact he can have in building further on the Club’s success. Welcome home Enzo.”