Chelsea FC has released a statement addressing the departure of its former head coach on 1 January 2026, following a season described as disappointing for the club and its supporters. The club cited disruption caused by changes to the head coach position over the Christmas period as a major contributing factor to the season’s difficulties.
According to the statement, the club was informed in the autumn of the previous year that their former head coach might have an opportunity to succeed Pep Guardiola at Manchester City at the end of the season. It became clear to Chelsea that the head coach had a strong desire to pursue this opportunity, despite being under a long-term contract that he did not have the right to terminate.
In December 2025, the head coach unexpectedly resigned from his position. Chelsea expressed feeling let down, believing that the head coach’s focus was on another club and opportunity, despite having joined Chelsea only the year before. The club stated that no club wishes to change its head coach midway through a season.
However, given the head coach’s decision not to continue fulfilling his responsibilities until the end of the season, Chelsea felt compelled to accept his resignation to protect its players, supporters, and the club’s integrity. The club also confirmed that a confidential settlement, including the payment of compensation, has been reached with Manchester City. A similar confidential settlement, involving compensation payment, was also reached with the former head coach.
Maresca’s history with Manchester City
The situation at Manchester City involves Enzo Maresca, who spent two seasons as Pep Guardiola’s assistant. During his time with Manchester City, Maresca played a significant role in the club’s Treble-winning campaign of 2022-23. Former City academy coach Brian Barry-Murphy described Maresca as very similar to Pep Guardiola, noting his active presence on the training pitch and his ability to quickly earn the respect of players through his coaching.
Club footage from Manchester City’s Champions League final victory over Inter Milan showed Guardiola and Maresca discussing tactical adjustments at half-time. This highlighted Maresca’s involvement in preparing for one of the most significant matches in the club’s history. His contributions during this period were seen as crucial to the team’s success.
After his tenure as assistant, Maresca left Manchester City to become manager of Leicester City. From the Treble-winning squad that Maresca worked with, only a few players remain at Manchester City. These include Ruben Dias, Nathan Ake, Rico Lewis, Rodri, Phil Foden, and Erling Haaland.
Looking ahead for Chelsea
Looking forward, Chelsea has appointed Xabi Alonso as their new manager. The club described Alonso as having an exceptional football mind and being a professional of the highest integrity. Chelsea expressed confidence that Alonso possesses all the necessary attributes to deliver the success that the club’s supporters deserve and expect in the upcoming season.
The club’s statement underscores the challenges faced during the 2025/26 season and the measures taken to address the unexpected departure of their former head coach. The confidential settlements with both Manchester City and the former head coach aim to resolve the issues stemming from the mid-season resignation. Chelsea‘s focus is now on the future under the leadership of Xabi Alonso, following the events that led to the head coach’s departure on 1 January 2026.
Read Also
Source: chelseafc.com
You may also like
Charlie Bradshaw is the Senior Football Correspondent at News-GB, covering the Premier League, the EFL and the England national side with ten years of reporting experience. He covered Merseyside football before going national. He holds a degree in Sports Journalism from Liverpool John Moores University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Based in Liverpool, he watches non-league sides and collects old match programmes. “The back page is only ever half the story.”