‎Explained: Why Enzo Maresca Turned Down a Potential £14m Chelsea Pay-Off After Shock Stamford Bridge Exit

‎Enzo Maresca opted not to pursue a reported £14 million ($19m) compensation package from Chelsea following his unexpected departure from Stamford Bridge. The Italian coach and the club went their separate ways after a difficult period that saw Chelsea lose ground on Premier League leaders Arsenal, leaving them 15 points adrift at the time he left.

‎

‎Why Enzo Maresca rejected a reported £14m Chelsea compensation following his exit, the reasons behind his decision, and what comes next for the Blues.

‎Getty Images Sport 

‎

‎Chelsea decided to make a managerial change after a downturn in results pushed the team down to fifth place in the league standings. A run of just one victory in five matches prompted action, with Under-21s coach Calum McFarlane stepping in to oversee first-team duties ahead of the upcoming clash with Manchester City.

‎

‎Reports from The Sun suggest Maresca voluntarily walked away without seeking the substantial payout he could have claimed under his contract. The same report linked him with preliminary discussions involving Manchester City, amid speculation about a potential future succession to Pep Guardiola.

‎

‎Maresca’s decision appears rooted in frustration rather than financial considerations. According to the report, he felt deeply undermined by Chelsea’s senior leadership and chose not to enter negotiations over exit terms. Having joined from Leicester City in 2024 on a five-year contract, with an option for an additional year, he would have been entitled to a significant sum. His salary was understood to be around £4m per season, meaning his exit after just 18 months left a large amount unclaimed. Sources close to Maresca have also dismissed claims that he attempted to pressure Chelsea into offering a new deal by using interest from Manchester City as leverage.

‎

‎When confirming his departure, Chelsea issued a statement acknowledging his achievements during his tenure. The club highlighted his role in delivering success in both the UEFA Conference League and the FIFA Club World Cup, noting that those accomplishments remain an important part of their recent history. Chelsea added that, with major objectives still at stake across four competitions, including qualification for the Champions League, both parties believed a change was necessary to give the team the best opportunity to regain momentum.

‎

‎Tensions during Maresca’s time in west London were not limited to results on the pitch. He is understood to have been unhappy with suggestions that he clashed with the club’s medical department and put the wellbeing of players such as Cole Palmer and Reece James at risk. The former Chelsea coach was also reportedly frustrated by repeated confrontations with influential figures at the club, particularly regarding team selections and in-game decisions.

‎

‎Despite the abrupt ending, Maresca has been widely tipped to return quickly to management. Premier League icon Alan Shearer described his Chelsea spell as a success, pointing to victories over top-level opposition and silverware that exceeded expectations. Shearer noted that while winning the Conference League was anticipated, fewer observers predicted triumph in the Club World Cup.

‎

‎Shearer also suggested that Maresca’s reputation remains strong, emphasizing that he kept Chelsea competing around the top four and demonstrated his coaching credentials both in London and during his time at Leicester City. While links to Manchester City have been discussed, Shearer added that any such move would depend on Guardiola’s future, but believed Maresca would have no shortage of opportunities in England or overseas.

‎

‎Reflecting on the nature of the Chelsea role, Shearer remarked that the club operates differently from others, with a model focused on recruiting young players, long contracts, and future resale value. He questioned whether that approach alone is enough to win the league, even if it can secure top-four finishes, while stressing that expectations remain high for whoever takes over next.

‎

‎Attention now turns to Chelsea’s immediate future on the pitch. McFarlane will be aiming to make a positive impression when the Blues face Manchester City on Sunday. Chelsea currently occupy fifth place in the Premier League, sitting three points behind fourth-placed Liverpool as the race for Champions League qualification continues.