Chelsea tear into Maresca with scathing statement after Man City appointment

"He had no right..."

The 46-year-old Italian has penned a three-deal deal with the Citizens, returning to the club where he earned his reputation as one of Europe's leading tacticians.

Maresca worked at The Etihad as a Guardiola understudy, before departing for then-Championship outfit Leicester City in 2023, helping the Foxes to immediate Premier League promotion, before moving to Stamford Bridge the following summer.

Despite Maresca's clear desire for a move for Man City having been widely understood for some time, the official announcement of his arrival has been delayed due to an ongoing dispute between the former West Brom and Fiorentina player, Manchester City, and former employers Chelsea.

It has been claimed that negotiations between Maresca and Man City, that took place last year while the Italian was still under terms with The Blues, were in breach of his contract.

As a result, Man City ultimately agreed a compensation package with Chelsea — thought to be in the region of £17 million — before they could appoint Maresca as their new manager.

Following that agreement, Maresca finally joined Man City on Monday, an occasion that was also marked by a remarkable statement from Chelsea, who took time to describe at length the circumstances of their former head coach's departure.

Chelsea's "club statement" on Enzo Maresca's appointment:

"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.

"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 1 January 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.

"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.

"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.

"He has all the attributes to deliver the success the Club’s supporters deserve and expect."