Chelsea: Maresca resigned to chase Guardiola succession; confidential settlement reached with City | OneFootball

Chelsea have released a statement revealing the reasons for Enzo Maresca's exit in January and have confirmed that the club have reached a compensation package with Manchester City.

Maresca hasbeen named as Manchester City's new head coach on a three-year deal, six months after his abrupt exit from Stamford Bridge.

The Italian departed Chelsea in a shock situation earlier this year, despite leading the club to Europa Conference League and Club World Cup success.

Chelsea have revealed that Maresca approached the club to confirm his interest in replacing Pep Guardiola at Manchester City at the end of the 2025/26 campaign, following an approach from the Cityzens.

His resignation was a result of that interest from the Etihad, with Chelsea admitting the events were a major disruption to a disappointing second half of the campaign. The Blues missed out on a place in Europe after struggling across thePremier League run-in.

"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."