Chelsea says Maresca's sudden exit caused tough 2025/26 season

Chelsea said on Monday that the sudden departure of former head coach Enzo Maresca hurt their 2025/26 season. The club called the season a "hugely disappointing" one, and they believe Maresca's mid-season resignation played a big part in their struggles.

In a statement on their website, Chelsea mentioned that Maresca's exit during the Christmas period caused major disruptions. This forced the club to make an unwanted change in management halfway through the season.

The club said they first noticed issues in autumn 2025. Maresca told club officials he might get the chance to replace Pep Guardiola as Manchester City manager at the end of the season.

The 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."

The statement continued, "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."

Chelsea added, "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."

The club said it quickly became clear that the Italian coach was eager to chase the role, even though he had a long-term contract with Chelsea.

Chelsea also announced that they reached confidential settlements with both Manchester City and Maresca. The deal with City includes compensation, and the former Chelsea manager will also pay compensation under a separate agreement.

The statement noted, "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."

Chelsea confirmed, "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 forward, Chelsea said they have confidence in new manager Xabi Alonso. They described him as "a professional of the highest integrity" with "an exceptional football mind" who can help the club return to success.

This statement is the first time Chelsea have shared details about Maresca's exit. They provided their side of one of the most challenging managerial changes in recent years.