Chelsea winger Pedro Neto has lifted the lid on the temper contained in the dressing room following Enzo Maresca’s shock departure on New Yr’s Day 2026, revealing a squad left stunned and emotionally affected by the sudden resolution.

Talking in an interview clip shared by Sky Sports activities on their official X account, Neto admitted the gamers had been nonetheless processing the information after a troublesome evening that resulted in a 2-2 draw with Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge, a recreation already charged with stress and disappointment.
SoftFootball had earlier reported how Chelsea parted methods with head coach Enzo Maresca simply hours after that consequence, a transfer that caught many inside the membership off guard. The timing of the exit solely deepened the sense of disbelief.
Chelsea had pushed arduous in the course of the match, with 4 first-half targets setting the tone in a chaotic contest that ended and not using a winner, as detailed in SoftFootball’s protection. Based on Neto, the gamers sensed one thing was improper however didn’t count on such a definitive consequence.

Explaining the emotional state of the squad earlier than quoting his phrases, Neto made it clear that frustration from the consequence combined with real appreciation for a supervisor many felt was nonetheless transferring the group ahead.
Reflecting on that second, Neto stated:
After the sport, after all, we needed to win. I feel we had somewhat bit the thought. In fact, we didn’t have the thought, nevertheless it was like we had been all upset. And once I heard the information, to be sincere, at first I used to be somewhat bit stunned as a result of the supervisor did superb for us.
His feedback underline how the choice contrasted sharply with the gamers’ inner evaluation of Maresca’s work.

Neto went on to focus on Maresca’s influence past outcomes, pointing to final season’s success and his private improvement underneath the Italian coach.
He added:
He did an unbelievable season final yr. He was doing a great season this yr. In fact, we needed to do higher and we all the time wish to do higher. However that is soccer.
These phrases echo the broader context of Maresca’s tenure, which included being named Premier League Supervisor of the Month in November regardless of underlying tensions with membership management.

On a private degree, Neto didn’t conceal his disappointment, crediting Maresca for his progress and assist.
He stated:
For me, I’d be somewhat bit unhappy as a result of it was the supervisor that helped me rather a lot in these years. He managed myself. They helped me rather a lot. I realized rather a lot with him. As a private phrases, he was unbelievable as nicely.
Watch the video under:
“We had been all upset… I used to be stunned” 😳
Pedro Neto reveals the Chelsea gamers’ reactions to Enzo Maresca’s New Yr’s Day departure in full on the Sky Sports activities Premier League YouTube channel 📺 pic.twitter.com/5f2X5Yd3hQ
— Sky Sports activities Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 2, 2026
Nonetheless, the winger acknowledged the realities of elite soccer, concluding:
So the one factor I can say thanks, nevertheless it’s soccer. And now we have to undergo it and go to the subsequent recreation already, fascinated about us as a group and attempt to win it.
Neto’s phrases paint an image of a younger Chelsea squad pressured to rapidly reset, carrying each gratitude and frustration as they navigate one other abrupt managerial change.









