Enzo Maresca has formally apologised to Chelsea and agreed to pay compensation following his mid-season resignation as the club’s head coach, ahead of his appointment as Manchester City’s new manager. The 46-year-old Italian signed a three-year contract to succeed Pep Guardiola at City, ending months of speculation about his next role.
Chelsea confirmed that Maresca had notified the club last autumn of his interest in potentially succeeding Guardiola, despite being under a long-term contract with the London club. The resignation, which occurred abruptly on New Year’s Day 2026, came amid a poor run of form and a reported deterioration in Maresca’s relationship with the club’s ownership. Chelsea described the departure as unexpected and said it left them with no option but to accept his resignation to safeguard the club’s interests. The impact was significant, with Chelsea falling out of Champions League qualification spots and ultimately finishing tenth in the Premier League after a brief interim period under Liam Rosenior.
Manchester City formalised Maresca’s appointment several weeks after Guardiola announced his exit at the end of the 2025-26 season. The delay in confirming the new manager was attributed to negotiations over compensation related to Maresca’s remaining three years at Chelsea. Reports indicate that Manchester City agreed to pay Chelsea approximately £17 million as part of the settlement. Maresca himself also contributed towards the compensation package, according to official statements.
Chelsea’s official response expressed disappointment, stating that Maresca’s “head and heart were focused on another club and another opportunity,” without naming Manchester City explicitly. The club’s statement emphasised the confidential nature of the settlements reached with both Manchester City and Maresca.
In a personal statement posted on social media, Maresca acknowledged the difficulties caused by his departure, apologising for the disruption to Chelsea. He described his decision as difficult but insisted that it was solely his choice and expressed enthusiasm about joining Manchester City, a club where he had previously worked alongside Guardiola during a highly successful period. Maresca praised the club’s innovation and professionalism, expressing optimism about achieving success and playing attractive football in his new role.
Chelsea, meanwhile, have expressed confidence in their replacement, Xabi Alonso, citing his football intellect and professionalism as key to the club’s future prospects. The situation highlights ongoing tensions around managerial moves in top-flight football, particularly when changes occur abruptly and involve high-profile clubs.