Chelsea Statement on Manchester City's Signing of Maresca
Chelsea Football Club issued an official statement clarifying the circumstances that led to the departure of their former coach, Italian Enzo Maresca, from his position on January 1, 2026, following his official move today to manage Manchester City. The club confirmed that the 2025-2026 season was "extremely disappointing" for both the club and its fans, and that the necessary change in the coaching staff mid-season was one of the main reasons for this.
The statement read: "Chelsea Football Club acknowledges that the 2025-2026 season was extremely disappointing for the club and its fans. One of the main contributing factors was the disruption caused by the changes the club had to make to the head coach position during the Christmas period. In light of recent developments, we find it important to clarify what happened and why our former head coach left the club on January 1, 2026."
He continued: "During the fall of last year, our former technical director informed us that he might have the opportunity to succeed Pep Guardiola at the end of the season. It became clear to us that his desire to take on this position was very strong, and that he was fully committed to pursuing this opportunity, even though he was bound by a long-term contract and did not have the right to terminate it unilaterally."
He added: "In December 2025, our technical director unexpectedly and suddenly resigned. Clearly, we were disappointed because we believed his mind and heart were occupied with another club and another opportunity, even though he had joined Chelsea just a year earlier."
He continued: "No club wants to change its coach in the middle of the season. However, given his decision not to continue his responsibilities until the end of the season, the club had no choice but to protect our players, fans, and the club's emblem by accepting his resignation."
He concluded: "In light of these circumstances, and considering the mutual respect between the two clubs, a confidential settlement was reached with Manchester City, which includes compensation payments. A confidential settlement was also reached with the former manager, under which he will pay compensation to the club. Looking ahead to the next season, we have Xabi Alonso as a coach with an exceptional football mindset, and he is a professional with the highest level of integrity. He possesses all the necessary qualities to achieve the success that the club's fans deserve and expect."
The statement read: "Chelsea Football Club acknowledges that the 2025-2026 season was extremely disappointing for the club and its fans. One of the main contributing factors was the disruption caused by the changes the club had to make to the head coach position during the Christmas period. In light of recent developments, we find it important to clarify what happened and why our former head coach left the club on January 1, 2026."
He continued: "During the fall of last year, our former technical director informed us that he might have the opportunity to succeed Pep Guardiola at the end of the season. It became clear to us that his desire to take on this position was very strong, and that he was fully committed to pursuing this opportunity, even though he was bound by a long-term contract and did not have the right to terminate it unilaterally."
He added: "In December 2025, our technical director unexpectedly and suddenly resigned. Clearly, we were disappointed because we believed his mind and heart were occupied with another club and another opportunity, even though he had joined Chelsea just a year earlier."
He continued: "No club wants to change its coach in the middle of the season. However, given his decision not to continue his responsibilities until the end of the season, the club had no choice but to protect our players, fans, and the club's emblem by accepting his resignation."
He concluded: "In light of these circumstances, and considering the mutual respect between the two clubs, a confidential settlement was reached with Manchester City, which includes compensation payments. A confidential settlement was also reached with the former manager, under which he will pay compensation to the club. Looking ahead to the next season, we have Xabi Alonso as a coach with an exceptional football mindset, and he is a professional with the highest level of integrity. He possesses all the necessary qualities to achieve the success that the club's fans deserve and expect."
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