On January 1st, 2026, Enzo Maresca surprised Chelsea supporters by announcing his departure from the London club, despite having a contract until 2029 and having secured the Conference League and Club World Cup in his first season. At the time, reports indicated he felt “abandoned” by the club due to frequent disagreements with management on football and fitness decisions. Liam Rosenior took over, but results worsened, leaving Chelsea outside of European competitions in tenth place in the Premier League.
Much later, when Pep Guardiola announced his decision to leave Manchester City, Maresca immediately positioned himself as his successor, a move officially confirmed today. This marks the Italian’s return to the club where he previously served as head of the Elite Development Squad in 2020 and then as one of Guardiola’s assistants in 2022.
Maresca has signed a three-year contract with Manchester City. Today, an explosive statement from Chelsea revealed that Maresca had already agreed to terms with Manchester City before Guardiola even announced his departure last autumn, and consequently, he chose “not to continue to fulfil his responsibilities until the end of the season.”
Chelsea also confirmed that Manchester City and Maresca have reached a separate confidential settlement agreement that includes the payment of compensation, and noted that the new manager, Xabi Alonso, is “a professional of impeccable integrity.”
In an Instagram post, Maresca apologized to Chelsea for the disruption he caused. “It was neither my intention nor my wish. Everyone treated me well at Chelsea, and together we achieved great success and created memories that I will always cherish,” he stated, confirming that the decision “came solely from me” and that his resignation paved the way for him to join Manchester City, “a club I knew very well.”
Chelsea’s Scathing Declaration Regarding Enzo Maresca
“Chelsea FC acknowledges that the 2025/26 season has been extremely disappointing for the club and its supporters. One of the primary contributing factors has been the disruption caused by the changes the club was forced to make in the head coach position over the Christmas period,” the statement began.
“Last autumn, our former head coach informed the club that he might have the opportunity to succeed Pep Guardiola at the end of the season. It quickly became apparent that he was eager to take over from Guardiola and was determined to seize this opportunity, even though he was under a long-term contract that he was not entitled to break.”
In December 2025, our head coach unexpectedly and abruptly resigned from his post. Naturally, we felt betrayed, as we believed his mind and heart were already elsewhere, focused on another club and another opportunity, especially as he had only joined Chelsea the year before.
“No club wants to change its head coach mid-season. However, given his decision not to continue to fulfil his responsibilities until the end of the season, the club had no choice but to protect our players, supporters, and the crest, and accept his resignation.
“Under these circumstances, and with mutual respect between the clubs, a confidential agreement was reached with Manchester City, which includes the payment of compensation. A confidential agreement was also reached with the former head coach, under which he will pay compensation.”
Chelsea concluded its statement by expressing anticipation for the upcoming season under Xabi Alonso, “a coach with exceptional footballing acumen and impeccable integrity. He possesses all the qualities needed to deliver the success that the club’s supporters deserve and expect.”