Chelsea Releases Club Statement, Accuses Enzo Maresca of Having ‘His Heart Elsewhere’ Before Shock Exit

• Chelsea have accused former manager Enzo Maresca of focusing on the Manchester City job before abruptly resigning in December, revealing that the Italian was determined to succeed Pep Guardiola at the Etihad.

Chelsea have finally explained the circumstances surrounding Enzo Maresca’s shock departure from Stamford Bridge, claiming the Italian manager had set his sights on succeeding Pep Guardiola at Manchester City long before he resigned.

In a statement released on Monday, the Blues admitted that the 2025/26 season was “hugely disappointing” and blamed much of the campaign’s struggles on the disruption caused by Maresca’s sudden exit midway through the season.

According to Chelsea, the club was informed in the autumn of last year that Maresca was interested in taking over at Manchester City once Guardiola stepped down.

The club said it became clear that the Italian’s “strong desire” was to become City’s next manager despite being under a long-term contract at Chelsea.

Chelsea further revealed that Maresca unexpectedly resigned from his position in December 2025, leaving the club with little choice but to accept his decision.

“We felt let down because we believed that his head and heart were focused on another club and another opportunity,” the statement read.

The Blues also confirmed that confidential compensation agreements had been reached with both Manchester City and Maresca following his departure.

Despite the setback, Chelsea expressed confidence in new manager Xabi Alonso, describing him as “a professional of the highest integrity” and the right man to lead the club back to success.

Meanwhile, Manchester City officially unveiled Maresca as their new manager on Monday, with the 46-year-old signing a three-year contract at the Etihad Stadium.

Short Excerpt:

Chelsea have accused former manager Enzo Maresca of focusing on the Manchester City job before abruptly resigning in December, revealing that the Italian was determined to succeed Pep Guardiola at the Etihad.Chelsea have finally explained the circumstances surrounding Enzo Maresca’s shock departure from Stamford Bridge, claiming the Italian manager had set his sights on succeeding Pep Guardiola at Manchester City long before he resigned.

In a statement released on Monday, the Blues admitted that the 2025/26 season was “hugely disappointing” and blamed much of the campaign’s struggles on the disruption caused by Maresca’s sudden exit midway through the season.

According to Chelsea, the club was informed in the autumn of last year that Maresca was interested in taking over at Manchester City once Guardiola stepped down.

The club said it became clear that the Italian’s “strong desire” was to become City’s next manager despite being under a long-term contract at Chelsea.

Chelsea further revealed that Maresca unexpectedly resigned from his position in December 2025, leaving the club with little choice but to accept his decision.

“We felt let down because we believed that his head and heart were focused on another club and another opportunity,” the statement read.

The Blues also confirmed that confidential compensation agreements had been reached with both Manchester City and Maresca following his departure.

Despite the setback, Chelsea expressed confidence in new manager Xabi Alonso, describing him as “a professional of the highest integrity” and the right man to lead the club back to success.

Meanwhile, Manchester City officially unveiled Maresca as their new manager on Monday, with the 46-year-old signing a three-year contract at the Etihad Stadium.