Chelsea release bombshell statement and reveal real reason for shock Enzo Maresca exit

Enzo Maresca has been announced as Man City’s new manager (Photo: Manchester City FC)

Chelsea have issued a statement slamming Enzo Maresca just minutes after he was announced as the new Manchester City manager.

Confirmation that Maresca was taking over from Pep Guardiola arrived on Monday – nearly seven months to the day after the Italian walked out of Stamford Bridge.

It was widely reported that the reason for his exit was that he had fallen out with Chelsea’s ownership after being the Citizens over the prospect of returning to the Etihad to replace his former mentor Guardiola.

This story has never been confirmed until now, with a lengthy club statement reading: ‘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.

Maresca left Chelsea on New Year’s Day (Photo: Getty)

‘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.

Maresca’s replaces his former mentor Pep Guardiola in the Man City dugout (Photo: Getty)

‘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.’

More to follow…