Chelsea released an explosive statement on Monday afternoon after it was confirmed that Enzo Maresca had replaced Pep Guardiola at Manchester City
Chelsea couldn’t resist four brutal digs at Enzo Maresca after his appointment as Manchester City’s new manager was confirmed. The 46-year-old, who resigned as head coach at Stamford Bridge midway through last season, has signed a three-year contract at the Etihad.
The Italian, who has also managed Leicester City, replaces Pep Guardiola, who stepped down following the end of the season. A delay in his appointment centred around what Chelsea was owed, as Maresca still had more than three years remaining on his deal.
In his own statement, Maresca apologised for the disruption his departure caused, but Chelsea appear to be not so forgiving. In a 326-word statement, the Blues not only failed to mention Maresca by name but also failed to mention that he won the UEFA Conference League and Club World Cup during his time at Stamford Bridge.
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And Chelsea didn’t stop there. They also believe that Maresca’s midseason departure was a ‘major contributing factor’ behind their poor second-half of the season.
The Stamford Bridge club then concluded the statement by saying new boss Xabi Alonso has ‘an exceptional football mind and is a professional of the highest integrity’.
Chelsea’s full statement read: “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.
“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.”
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