Enzo Maresca sacked by Chelsea after falling out with Blues chiefs
Chelsea have parted company with Enzo Maresca, a club statement confirms. The Blues had won just once from their last seven Premier League matches.
A decision was made on New Year’s Day, with Chelsea becoming the latest Premier League club to make a managerial change. Maresca’s departure has left BlueCo scrambling to find a suitable successor.
A statement released by the club read: “Chelsea Football Club and Head Coach Enzo Maresca have parted company. During his time at the Club, Enzo led the team to success in the UEFA Conference League and the FIFA Club World Cup.
“‘Those achievements will remain an important part of the Club’s recent history, and we thank him for his contributions to the Club.
“With key objectives still to play for across four competitions including qualification for Champions League football, Enzo and the Club believe a change gives the team the best chance of getting the season back on track.
“We wish Enzo well for the future.”
It was widely reported on New Year’s Eve that Maresca would need to improve results in order to keep his job. However, the decision to remove him had already been made, with a behind‑the‑scenes fallout appearing to be a key factor in his dismissal.
Before Chelsea’s 2-0 win over Everton on December 13, Maresca admitted: “Since I joined the club, the last 48 hours have been the worst because many people didn’t support us.
“Worst 48 hours since I joined the club, because people didn’t support me and the team,” before later clarifying his comments by adding ‘in general’ when asked whether he meant people inside the club.
Since then, reports have surfaced of a two‑week breakdown in communication between the Blues boss and the club’s hierarchy.
Most recently, the 2–2 home draw to Bournemouth saw Maresca booed by supporters, while assistant coach Willy Caballero took on post‑match media duties amid claims the head coach was feeling unwell.
Chelsea currently sit fifth in the Premier League, just three points off the top four, with Liverpool, whom they defeated earlier in the season, occupying the final Champions League place.
The Blues now travel to Manchester City on Sunday (5:30pm) before a trip to Craven Cottage to face Fulham.
Meanwhile, The Athletic claim that former Hull City boss Liam Rosenior is under consideration after impressing at Strasbourg, who operate within the Blues’ ownership network.
Cesc Fabregas, Andoni Iraola, Oliver Glasner and Xavi have also been named among the early frontrunners for the vacant role.
