Chelsea Attributes “Hugely Disappointing” Season to Maresca

Chelsea have attributed their “hugely disappointing” 2025/26 season to the mid-season departure of former head coach Enzo Maresca. The club

stated on Monday, explaining that Maresca’s dramatic resignation derailed their campaign and forced an unwelcome managerial change.

According to Chelsea, the disruption caused by Maresca’s exit during the Christmas period significantly contributed to the team’s struggles. The club

revealed that issues began in the autumn of 2025, when Maresca informed officials of a potential opportunity to succeed Pep Guardiola as Manchester City manager at the end of the season.

The club’s statement read: “Chelsea FC appreciates that 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, even though 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.”

Chelsea stated it became apparent that Maresca was determined to pursue the Manchester City role despite being under a long-term contract at Stamford Bridge.

The club also confirmed that confidential settlements had been reached with both Manchester City and Maresca. The agreement with the city includes compensation, while Maresca will also pay compensation under a separate confidential settlement.

The statement continued: “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 the clubs, a confidential settlement has been reached with Manchester City, including the payment of compensation. A confidential settlement has also been reached with the former Head Coach under which he will pay compensation.”

Looking ahead, Chelsea expressed confidence in new manager Xabi Alonso, describing him as “a professional of the highest integrity” with “an exceptional football mind” capable of restoring the club to success.

This statement marks the first time Chelsea have publicly addressed the circumstances surrounding Maresca’s departure, providing their account of one of the most turbulent managerial changes in recent seasons.