Chelsea have launched a stunning public attack on former head coach Enzo Maresca following his official unveiling as Manchester City’s new manager.
In a strongly-worded statement, Softfootball gathered Chelsea deliberately avoided mentioning Maresca by name, instead referring only to their “former head coach” while explaining the circumstances surrounding his departure.
The Blues claimed they were informed as early as autumn 2025 that the Italian was interested in succeeding Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, believing his desire to take the Etihad job ultimately affected the club’s campaign.
The statement described the 2025/26 season as “hugely disappointing” and suggested the disruption caused by the managerial situation played a major role in the campaign.
The statement:
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 January 1, 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.
Meanwhile, Maresca has officially taken charge of Manchester City as Pep Guardiola’s successor, with the Italian beginning a new chapter at the Etihad Stadium.
