Chelsea issue scathing statement confirming Enzo Maresca will pay compensation

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Evening Standard

·29 de junio de 2026

Chelsea issue scathing statement confirming Enzo Maresca will pay compensation

Enzo Maresca has issued a statement apologising for his acrimonious exit

The Blues did not name Maresca, but did confirm that “our former head coach” and Manchester City have agreed confidential settlements regarding the Argentine’s appointment as Pep Guardiola’s successor, which will see the Blues receive compensation from both parties.

Standard Sport understands that Chelsea will receive £17million in compensation from City, while Maresca has agreed to pay a separate sum in compensation.

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The lengthy statement explains that Chelsea “felt let down” after Maresca resigned “unexpectedly and abruptly” in December. His departure was announced on January 1.

Chelsea claim that Maresca first told them there may be an opportunity for him to succeed Guardiola in Autumn last year, before he was approached again in October and December.

Maresca, who under the terms of his contract had to inform Chelsea of any approaches, then resigned from his position, less than six months after guiding the Blues to Club World Cup glory.

Chelsea endured a difficult end to the season following Maresca’s departure, finishing 10th in the Premier League and losing the FA Cup final to Man City, and they say that a “major contributing factor” for the team’s struggles was due to the disruption caused by Maresca’s resignation.

A 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.

Maresca, who has signed a three-year deal to return to City, also released a statement apologising for the disruption he caused.

In a post on Instagram, Maresca said: “At the end of December 2025, I made the difficult decision to leave Chelsea.

“The decision was only mine. My resignation from Chelsea opened a path for me to join Manchester City, which is a club I knew very well. I am ecstatic that I have now joined Manchester City.

“I recognise that my departure from Chelsea in the middle of the season caused disruption for the club and I apologise for that. It was neither my intention nor my wish.

“I was treated well by everyone at Chelsea and together we achieved great success and memories that I will always treasure.

“I am grateful to the club, the owners and the fans for giving me the opportunity.”