How Chelsea squad reacted to Enzo Maresca exit revealed

Pedro Neto says he was ‘surprised’ and the Chelsea squad were ‘all upset’ after learning that Enzo Maresca had left his role as head coach.

Chelsea sent shockwaves around the Premier League with confirmation of the news on New Year’s Day, the culmination of a gradual breakdown in communication between Maresca and Stamford Bridge chiefs.

Having taken Chelsea to Europa Conference League and Club World Cup glory last season, Maresca enjoyed a strong start to the 2025/26 campaign, with many tipping the Blues as outsiders for the Premier League title.

But the Italian launched an explosive attack on his Chelsea bosses in the wake of the side’s defeat of Everton last month, bemoaning an apparent lack of ‘support’ behind the scenes in west London.

Chelsea’s 2-2 draw with Bournemouth proved to be the last match of Maresca’s 18-month reign – and reports are circulating that the 45-year-old is being eyed as a possible successor to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.

In the intervening days, Liam Rosenior, the manager of BlueCo-owned Strasbourg, has emerged as the clear frontrunner for the Chelsea job and discussions reportedly have ‘intensified’ in recent hours.

Under-21 head coach Calum McFarlane has taken over the reins on an interim basis heading into Chelsea’s heavyweight clash with Manchester City at the Etihad on Sunday.

‘After the [Bournemouth] game, of course, we wanted to win,’ Chelsea winger Neto told Sky Sports when asked what his feeling were after a whirlwind few days at the club.

‘Of course, we didn’t have the idea that [Maresca would leave] but we were all upset.

‘And when I heard the news in the beginning, to be honest, I was a little bit surprised because the manager did very good for us.

‘He did an unbelievable season last year and he was doing a good season this year. Of course, we wanted to do better, we always want to do better.’

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Neto, who was signed by Maresca in August 2024, says elite-level players are well used to managers leaving with very little prior warning.

‘This is football,’ the Portugal international explained.

‘Of course, for me, I will be a little bit sad because it was a manager that helped me a lot in these years, he managed myself, he helped me a lot and I learned a lot with him.

‘On personal terms, he was unbelievable as well so the only thing I can say is thank you but it is football and we have to go through it and go to the next game already, thinking about us as a team and trying to win it.’

Neto wishes Maresca the best and is ‘thankful’ for what he was able to add to his game under the manager.

Asked if he had a good personal relationship with Maresca, Neto replied: ‘Yeah, I think so.

‘Of course, we had a relationship of manager-player but, like I said to you, in personal terms he helped me a lot, as a professional I learned a lot with him.

‘What I added to my game as well and I have to thank him a lot. In some moments he helped me a lot in personal terms and I have to be thankful.

‘But it’s football and the only thing I can say to him is thank you.’

A daunting task awaits interim boss McFarlane this weekend against Pep Guardiola’s City, who are riding a nine-game undefeated streak in all competitions.

However, the 40-year-old knows Guardiola and City well having previously served as assistant manager of the club’s Under-18 side when Maresca also worked in the academy.

‘It’s been a crazy 24 hours,’ McFarlane told reporters at a press conference on Friday.

‘It’s been a whirlwind as you can imagine, but really exciting.

‘I can only feel positive. It’s been an amazing experience.’

McFarlane applauded the ‘exceptional’ attitude of Chelsea’s players on the training ground in the wake of Maresca’s departure, singling out club captain Reece James for special praise.

‘You don’t know what to expect, really, but the energy and enthusiasm was exceptional today,’ he added.

‘They were really focused, driven and hungry. We have a massive game on Sunday.

‘Reece has been brilliant, he has been a real leader in the group and helped the staff and players to get ready for Sunday.’

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