Chelsea released a scathing statement pointedly refusing to even name Enzo Maresca on Monday, branding his exit an unexpected resignation in the very moment Manchester City confirmed him as Pep Guardiola's successor.
City announced the Italian, 46, on a three-year contract running until the summer of 2029, marking his third spell at the Etihad Stadium after previous stints as Elite Development Squad coach and as Guardiola's assistant.
In a statement that never once referred to him by name, Chelsea said their "head coach unexpectedly and abruptly resigned" in December 2025, adding they felt let down because they believed his "head and heart were focused on another club and another opportunity".
The Blues confirmed they were aware of Maresca's "strong desire" to succeed Guardiola at City before his sudden winter departure, framing the resignation as a betrayal of a manager who had only arrived the year before.
Chelsea said no club wants to change its head coach mid-season, but that in light of his decision not to fulfil his responsibilities through to the end of the campaign, they were left with no choice but to protect the players, supporters and the badge and accept his resignation.
Two confidential settlements were disclosed. Chelsea confirmed City will pay them compensation, with the figure reported to be in excess of £17m (€20m), while Maresca himself will also pay an undisclosed sum to his former club.
Maresca's resignation followed a breakdown in relations with the Stamford Bridge hierarchy. He stepped away on 1 January 2026 despite winning the UEFA Conference League and the FIFA Club World Cup during an 18-month tenure in west London.
City framed the appointment in glowing terms, with chief executive Ferran Soriano describing Maresca as the "stand-out candidate" and chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak hailing his return as a "natural next step" for both parties.
Maresca said in his unveiling that City is a club he knows very well and that managing the team is a brilliant opportunity, adding that this third spell gives him the consistency and demands he understands intimately.
Chelsea, meanwhile, used their own statement to look ahead, throwing their weight behind new boss Xabi Alonso, who is tasked with restoring stability after a chaotic season that ended without European football.
The Blues are already busy in the market under their new regime.
Maresca's first competitive test arrives quickly, with City opening the 2026/27 Premier League campaign at home to Bournemouth on 23 August, while a charged reunion against Chelsea now looms as one of the season's most anticipated fixtures.
