Jorrel Hato shares how he felt after Enzo Maresca left Chelsea

Chelsea defender Jorrel Hato has opened up on life after Enzo Maresca, revealing how the Italian’s sudden exit impacted him personally.

Despite signing for a fee of £35.5 million from Ajax, Jorrel Hato suffered from a rather restrictive period under Enzo Maresca. The former Chelsea boss handed Hato minimal game time, leaving him perhaps questioning why he made the move to Stamford Bridge.

However, Maresca’s sudden departure completely flipped the script for Hato, sparking a big turnaround.

He seized his opportunity under interim coach Calum McFarlane, playing with a newfound confidence that mirrored his Ajax form. And ended up finishing his debut season with 22 appearances for the Blues across all competitions.

All this hard work saw him secure a place at the 2026 World Cup with the Netherlands too.

Realistically, how much is Liam Delap worth?🤔

Liam Delap price tag at Chelsea — Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images

Jorrel Hato on the aftermath of Enzo Maresca’s exit

Whilst preparing for the Netherlands’ opening game of the World Cup, Jorrel Hato has spoken out on Enzo Maresca leaving Chelsea and taking his chance in the aftermath (as per Voetbal Primeur).

“That’s when I got the chance. And I seized it.”

“I gained more confidence. Eventually, I got back into that flow that I also showed at Ajax. And now I’m really in it.”

And it hasn’t worked out too bad for Maresca either, as he’s set to replace Pep Guardiola at Man City.

If you’re the president of a football club, who do you hire first: Jose Mourinho or Xabi Alonso?🤔

Put the bias aside!

Cucurella picks out of Jose Mourinho or Xabi Alonso — Photo by Massimo Insabato/Archivio Massimo Insabato/Mondadori Portfolio via Getty Images

Jorrel Hato feels differently about Xabi Alonso

News of Xabi Alonso’s arrival excited Jorrel Hato, who has a totally different outlook on life at Chelsea.

“A great manager, he was a great player as well. I think it’s good news for us that we start next season with him as manager. Of course, the focus is on the next game but we are excited for next season.”

Hato’s role under Alonso will be similar, playing at either centre-back in a potential back three or at left wing-back, depending on what formation he plays.