Chelsea have hit out at Enzo Maresca following confirmation of his appointment as the new manager of Manchester City, refusing to reference their former head coach by name in a statement that revealed he will pay them compensation.
City announced Maresca as the successor to Pep Guardiola on Monday, the Italian taking the reins at the club where he had previously worked as the coach of City’s Elite Development Squad and as an assistant to Guardiola.
Maresca’s resignation as Chelsea boss was confirmed on New Year’s Day amid an apparent deterioration in his relationship with the hierarchy at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea were fifth in the Premier League at the time of his departure, but finished the season a disappointing 10th, with successor Liam Rosenior lasting just over three months in the job.
The Blues appointed Xabi Alonso as their new manager on a contract that will officially start on Wednesday.
Chelsea confirm Maresca compensation arrangements
City are set to pay Chelsea over £17million in compensation for Maresca, as the Blues held compensation rights for the 46-year-old.
And Maresca, who won the Conference League and Club World Cup in his time with Chelsea, has also agreed to pay his former club to allow him to follow in his mentor’s footsteps at the Etihad Stadium.
Despite reaching agreement on those issues, Chelsea were hugely critical of Maresca and his conduct in leaving the club.
Their 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.
“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.”
