Sports
Pedro Neto Reveals Chelsea Players ‘Upset’ by Enzo Maresca’s Exit
Pedro Neto has revealed how Chelsea players reacted after learning about Enzo Maresca’s departure from Stamford Bridge. His comments come following a new report which has detailed how the squad really feel about the Italian leaving.
Having guided the Blues to Europa Conference League and Club World Cup Glory, Maresca and the west London team parted ways on New Year’s Day. Chelsea had endured a dismal run of form in December, winning just one Premier League match during the month, but the situation between the head coach and the club’s ownership had also deteriorated since a successful summer period.
GIVEMESPORT Senior Correspondent Ben Jacobs revealed how there had been multiple confrontations over player selection and substitutions during games. This was also all unfolding with Manchester City lurking in the background, with the Sky Blues holding talks over Maresca potentially replacing Pep Guardiola.
Enzo Maresca Accused of Being ‘Unprofessional and Disrespectful’ by Chelsea Officials
The relationship well and truly soured
Neto Reveals How Players Reacted to Maresca Leaving Chelsea
Despite the situation between Maresca and Chelsea’s hierarchy becoming increasingly untenable, there was still surprise when a departure was eventually confirmed on the first day of 2026. Numerous members of the squad have since paid their respects to their former coach on social media.
One of those tributes came from winger Neto, who wrote: “Thank you for everything you and your staff have done. For all the memories, achievements and trust. I wish you all the best.”
Since then, the Portuguese international has also revealed how the dressing room reacted upon hearing the news in an interview with Sky Sports. Neto said: “After the game [against Bournemouth] of course we wanted to win. I think we had a little bit, the idea, of course we didn’t have the idea, but it was like, we were all upset.
“And then when I heard the news, to be honest in the beginning, I was a little bit surprised, because the manager did very good for us. He did an unbelievable season last year. He was doing a good season this year.
“Of course, we wanted to do better, and we always want to do better. But this is football, you know? Of course, for me, I would be a little bit sad because it was the manager that helped me a lot in these years. He managed myself. He helped me a lot, 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’s football and we have to go through it and go to the next game already, thinking about us as a team and try to win it.”
New Insider Report Details How Different Chelsea Players Reacted
Although Neto has expressed disbelief over Maresca’s departure, a new report from The Athletic has given additional information over how players feel about the decision. And it’s safe to say reactions have been very mixed.
On the one hand, one player reportedly believes that the manager provided stability to the club and enabled them to compete against the bigger teams. But there is concern that his departure has reset the club’s progress, that it will be difficult to compete for silverware on a regular basis, and that it could impact the dressing room.
However, other sources who are close to the squad revealed that certain players were unsure how to earn Maresca’s trust and win a place in the starting XI. Others stated that there was frustration over the constant rotation for games, as it made it difficult to find form and build chemistry with those around them.
A final individual who was close to a senior player in the dressing room said that one individual believed that the manager’s actions since winning the Club World Cup were those of someone who wanted to emulate Pep Guardiola, one of Marseca’s idols, and have more influence at the club despite the structure in place. However, these claims have been denied by a source close to the head coach.
