What happened: Chelsea issued an official statement addressing Enzo Maresca, acknowledging that the 2025/26 season was a hugely disappointing one for the club and its supporters. The club said a major contributing factor was the disruption caused by changes it was forced to make at the head-coach position.

Why it matters: It is a rare public admission of instability in the Chelsea dugout, with the club framing managerial change as central to a campaign that fell short of expectations. The statement concerns the same Enzo Maresca whose departure has dominated recent coverage, and it sets the tone for how the club explains a difficult year to its supporters.

What to watch: Watch for further detail on the terms of the managerial change and how Chelsea moves to stabilize its bench ahead of the 2026/27 season.