Why Maresca quit Chelsea in mid‑season

Abdullateef Fowewe

Chelsea FC has revealed that the abrupt resignation of former head coach Enzo Maresca on 1 January 2026 was driven by his pursuit of the Manchester City managerial vacancy.

Chelsea in a statement on Monday noted that the club has reached confidential settlements with both City and Maresca.

“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,” the club said in a statement.

The statement set out the club’s version of events and said it was important to explain “what happened and why our former Head Coach left the Club on 1 January 2026”.

According to Chelsea, the club learned in autumn 2025 that Maresca had told them 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,” the statement added.
Chelsea said Maresca then “unexpectedly and abruptly resigned” in December 2025.

“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 wrote.

The statement emphasised the harm of a mid‑season managerial change: “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 the matter has been settled confidentially.

“In the circumstances and given the mutual respect between clubs, a confidential settlement has been reached with Manchester City, which includes the payment of compensation. A confidential settlement has also been reached with the former Head Coach under which he will pay compensation,” it added.