Chelsea hit out at Enzo Maresca over mid-season exit for Manchester City | OneFootball

According to L'Équipe, Chelsea issued a statement on Monday criticising Enzo Maresca after his mid-season departure. The club called his December 2025 resignation to pursue the Manchester City job one of the main factors in an extremely disappointing campaign that ended 10th in the Premier League.

In autumn, Maresca informed Chelsea he might have the chance to succeed Pep Guardiola at season’s end and was determined to take it, despite a long-term contract he could not terminate.

His exit came unexpectedly and suddenly in December 2025, then was made official on one January 2026. Feeling abandoned, the club accepted the resignation to protect its players, supporters and colours.

A confidential agreement with Manchester City provides for compensation to Chelsea. Maresca also agreed a separate arrangement that requires him to pay compensation.

He later confirmed it was his decision to leave in December 2025, which enabled him to join City, whose appointment was announced on Monday. He accepted that departing mid-season disrupted the club and apologised. He previously worked there as youth coach in 2020-2021 and as Guardiola’s assistant in 2022-2023.

Appointed in summer 2024, Maresca won the Europa Conference League and the Club World Cup in 2025.

Chelsea turned to Liam Rosenior at the start of 2026, then replaced him after four months with under-21 coach Calum McFarlane. Xabi Alonso has been hired to take charge next season.

Source: L'Équipe