Chelsea’s scathing account clashes with City’s optimism on Maresca deal

Chelsea Football Club described the 2025‑26 campaign as ‘hugely disappointing’ and identified the mid‑season head‑coach change as a major contributing factor. The club’s statement read: “Chelsea appreciates the 2025‑26 season was a hugely disappointing one for the Club and supporters. A major contributing factor was the disruption caused as a result of changes the Club was forced to make to the Head Coach position over Christmas.”

The club explained that in the autumn of the previous year Maresca informed them of a potential opportunity to succeed Pep Guardiola at the end of the season. It later became clear that his strong desire to pursue that role led to his unexpected resignation in December 2025 and his formal departure on 1 January 2026.

Chelsea said the resignation left the club with no choice but to protect its players, supporters and badge, and to accept the resignation. A confidential settlement was reached with Manchester City that includes payment of compensation, and a separate confidential settlement obliges Maresca himself to pay compensation to Chelsea.

Manchester City confirmed Enzo Maresca as first‑team manager on a contract until 2029, ending the dispute that had delayed the announcement. The club’s statement praised the new manager, stating: “Looking forward to next season, in Xabi Alonso, we have a Manager who has an exceptional football mind and is a professional of the highest integrity.”

From City’s perspective, the settlement clears the way for a summer rebuild that director of football Hugo Viana has been eager to accelerate. The club has already agreed the £116 million signing of Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest and is pursuing further additions at right‑back, midfield and up front.

With compensation settled and Maresca’s appointment confirmed, both Chelsea and Manchester City can move into the new season with the matter formally resolved. Whether the club’s divergent narratives will affect Maresca’s standing at the Etihad Stadium remains to be seen.