This Monday, Manchester City formalized the arrival of Enzo Maresca on its bench. A few minutes later, Chelsea also published a press release to detail behind the scenes of the departure of their now ex-coach. “Last autumn the club was informed by our former head coach that there may 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 seizing this opportunity, despite the fact that he was on 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 were disappointed, because we thought his head and heart were focused on another club and a new opportunity, when he had only just arrived at Chelsea the year before.”initially regrets the London club.
Before adding: “No club wants to change head coach during the season. However, in light of his decision not to continue fulfilling his responsibilities until the end of the season, the club had no choice but to protect our players, our supporters and the Badge, and accept his resignation. In these circumstances and taking into account the mutual respect between the clubs, a confidential agreement has been reached with Manchester City, including the payment of compensation. A confidential agreement was also reached with the former head coach, under which he will see compensation. Looking towards next season, in Xabi Alonso we have a coach with exceptional football sense and the highest integrity. He has all the qualities necessary to deliver the success that the Club’s supporters deserve and expect.”. For his part, Enzo Maresca will have the difficult task of taking over a team accustomed to success in recent years.
