Chelsea winger Pedro Neto has lifted the lid on the mood inside the dressing room following Enzo Maresca’s shock departure on New Year’s Day 2026, revealing a squad left surprised and emotionally affected by the sudden decision.
Speaking in an interview clip shared by Sky Sports on their official X account, Neto admitted the players were still processing the news after a difficult night that ended in a 2-2 draw with Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge, a game already charged with tension and disappointment.
SoftFootball had earlier reported how Chelsea parted ways with head coach Enzo Maresca just hours after that result, a move that caught many within the club off guard. The timing of the exit only deepened the sense of disbelief.
Chelsea had pushed hard during the match, with four first-half goals setting the tone in a chaotic contest that ended without a winner, as detailed in SoftFootball’s coverage. According to Neto, the players sensed something was wrong but did not expect such a definitive outcome.
Explaining the emotional state of the squad before quoting his words, Neto made it clear that frustration from the result mixed with genuine appreciation for a manager many felt was still moving the team forward.
Reflecting on that moment, Neto said:
After the game, of course, we wanted to win. I think we had a little bit the idea. Of course, we didn’t have the idea, but it was like we were all upset. And when I heard the news, to be honest, in the beginning I was a little bit surprised because the manager did very good for us.
His comments underline how the decision contrasted sharply with the players’ internal assessment of Maresca’s work.
Neto went on to highlight Maresca’s impact beyond results, pointing to last season’s success and his personal development under the Italian coach.
He added:
He did an unbelievable season last year. He was doing a good season this year. Of course, we wanted to do better and we always want to do better. But this is football.
Those words echo the wider context of Maresca’s tenure, which included being named Premier League Manager of the Month in November despite underlying tensions with club leadership.
On a personal level, Neto did not hide his disappointment, crediting Maresca for his growth and support.
He said:
For me, I would be a little bit sad because it was the manager that helped me a lot in these years. He managed myself. They helped me a lot. I learned a lot with him. As a personal terms, he was unbelievable as well.
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Still, the winger acknowledged the realities of elite football, concluding:
So the only thing I can say thank you, but it’s football. And we have to go through it and go to the next game already, thinking about us as a team and try to win it.
Neto’s words paint a picture of a young Chelsea squad forced to quickly reset, carrying both gratitude and frustration as they navigate another abrupt managerial change.
