Chelsea issued a scathing statement He deliberately refused to appoint Enzo Maresca on Monday, describing his departure as an unexpected resignation at the same time Manchester City confirmed him as Pep Guardiola’s successor.
City announced the ItalianThe 46-year-old is on a three-year contract until the summer of 2029, marking his third spell at the Etihad Stadium after previous spells as Elite Development Squad coach and as Guardiola’s assistant.
In a statement that never referred to him by name, Chelsea said their “head coach unexpectedly and suddenly resigned” in December 2025, adding that they were disappointed because they believed his “head and heart were focused on another club and another opportunity.”
The Blues confirmed they were aware of Maresca’s “strong desire” to succeed Guardiola at City ahead of his sudden winter departure, framing the resignation as a betrayal of a manager who had only arrived the previous year.
Chelsea said no club wants to change their manager mid-season, but given his decision not to fulfill his responsibilities until the end of the campaign, they had no choice but to protect the players, supporters and badge and accept his resignation.
Two confidential agreements were disclosed. Chelsea confirmed that City will pay them compensation, with the figure in excess of £17m (€20m), while Maresca himself will also pay an undisclosed sum to his former club.
Maresca’s resignation followed a breakdown in relations with the Stamford Bridge hierarchy. He left on 1 January 2026 despite winning the UEFA Conference League and FIFA Club World Cup during an 18-month spell in west London.
City framed the appointment in glowing terms, with chief executive Ferran Soriano describing Maresca as the “outstanding candidate” and chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak hailing his return as a “natural next step” for both parties.
Maresca said in his presentation that City is a club he knows very well and that leading the team is a brilliant opportunity, adding that this third spell gives him consistency and the demands he understands intimately.
Chelsea, meanwhile, have used their own statement to look ahead, throwing their weight behind new manager Xabi Alonso, who is tasked with restoring stability after a chaotic season that ended without European football.
The Blues are already busy in the market under their new regime.
Maresca’s first competitive test is fast approaching, with City opening the 2026/27 Premier League campaign at home to Bournemouth on August 23, while a loaded meeting against Chelsea now looms as one of the most anticipated games of the season.
