Chelsea blames Maresca for their bad year: “His head and heart were focused on another club”

He Chelsea has publicly explained for the first time the reasons that led to the departure of Enzo Maresca last December, ensuring that the Italian coach had lost commitment to the project after learning of the possibility of becoming the replacement for Pep Guardiola.

In an official statement, the London club recognizes that the 2025/26 season was “deeply disappointing” and points out that one of the main reasons was the change of coach in the middle of the year. According to the club, Maresca reported during the fall of 2025 that there was a possibility of assuming the bench of the Manchester City next season.

He Chelsea maintains that, from that moment, the coach’s desire to leave was evident, despite having a contract until 2029. The situation reached its critical point in December, when Maresca presented in a manner “unexpected and abrupt” his resignation.

“We feel that had let us down because his head and his heart were focused on another club and another opportunity,” explains the statement, in which the Chelsea He defends that he had no choice but to accept the resignation to protect the team, the fans and the identity of the club.

The club also reveals that it has reached a confidential agreement with both the Manchester Citywhich will pay financial compensation, as with the Marescawho will also make a compensatory payment for his departure.