Chelsea Confirms Compensation Deal for Enzo Maresca
Chelsea Football Club has officially confirmed that Enzo Maresca will pay compensation to the club after his appointment as Manchester City’s new head coach was finalised. The 46‑year‑old Italian signed a three‑year contract at the Etihad Stadium, succeeding Pep Guardiola, who stepped down in May after a trophy‑laden decade.
The payment is separate from a confidential settlement agreed between Chelsea and Maresca, under which the former Blues boss will also compensate the London club.
Club’s Statement on Maresca’s Mid‑Season Exit
In a strongly worded statement, Chelsea outlined the events surrounding Maresca’s departure halfway through the 2025/26 season. The club blamed the disruption caused by the sudden change in head‑coach position for their disappointing campaign.
According to Chelsea, Maresca informed senior officials last autumn that he hoped to succeed Guardiola should the opportunity arise. The club said it became clear that Maresca was fully committed to pursuing the Manchester City role, despite being under a long‑term contract he had no right to terminate.
In December 2025, Maresca unexpectedly resigned from his position at Chelsea. The club expressed feeling let down, noting that his focus appeared to be on another club even though he had only joined Chelsea the previous year.
Chelsea stated that no club wants to change its head coach midway through a season, but given Maresca’s decision not to fulfil his responsibilities to the end of the campaign, they had no choice but to accept his resignation to protect the players, supporters, and the club’s badge.
Confidential Settlements Reached
Chelsea added that, in light of the mutual respect between the two Premier League clubs, a confidential settlement has been reached with Manchester City, which includes the payment of compensation. A separate confidential agreement with Maresca also stipulates that he will pay compensation to Chelsea.
Maresca’s Reaction and Apology
Maresca, who previously served as Pep Guardiola’s assistant during Manchester City’s treble‑winning 2022/23 campaign, admitted that resigning from Chelsea paved the way for his return to the Etihad. He accepted responsibility for the manner of his exit and apologised to Chelsea supporters via Instagram, writing:
“The decision was only mine. I recognise that my departure from Chelsea in the middle of the season caused disruption for the club and I apologise for that. It was neither my intention nor my wish.”
The developments mark the end of a contentious chapter for Chelsea, as the club looks to move forward under new leadership while Maresca begins his tenure at Manchester City.
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