Chelsea sacked manager Enzo Maresca on New Year’s Day, with club legend John Terry not under consideration to replace him despite support from broadcaster Richard Keys
Chelsea will have already begun their hunt for a new manager, but that won’t be a club legend who has received backing from Richard Keys.
The Blues sacked Enzo Maresca on New Year’s Day, bringing an end to days of fierce speculation surrounding the 45-year-old’s future. “Chelsea Football Club and head coach Enzo Maresca have parted company,” the statement from Chelsea confirmed.
“During his time at the club, Enzo led the team to success in the UEFA Conference League and also 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.”
Consequently, there have already been numerous speculation about who might succeed Maresca in the Stamford Bridge hot seat. Former Sky Sports host Keys has outlined why he believes Chelsea icon John Terry should be handed the role.
“If I’m a Chelsea fan I want to see JT [John Terry] given a go,” Keys posted on X. “He’s a Chelsea man to the core – has served time elsewhere and there’s no reason he can’t do what [Frank] Lampard is doing at Coventry – with better tools.”
However, Keys was ironically told by a fan that despite his insistence on Terry having valuable experience to take on the role, Terry has never actually managed a club. The 45-year-old’s coaching career consists of a spell at Aston Villa and Leicester City under Dean Smith.
Terry has since returned to Chelsea as the club’s Academy coach, but does have managerial experience in the six-a-side Baller League. According to Football London, Terry is not being considered by Chelsea as a potential replacement for Maresca.
Several names have already been linked with the vacant managerial role at Chelsea, including Strasbourg’s boss and former Hull City head coach Liam Rosenior. The same report also dismissed rumours of Marseille manager Roberto De Zerbi taking the reins at Stamford Bridge this time.
Chelsea’s decision to part ways with Maresca came shortly after the Blues’ 2-2 draw against Bournemouth in the Premier League.
Maresca’s exit coincides with the opening day of the January transfer window, during which Chelsea are anticipated to be linked with numerous potential new recruits.
Chelsea’s next fixture will see them face off against Manchester City on Sunday afternoon. Currently sitting fifth in the Premier League table, they are just two points behind fourth-placed Liverpool, who have a game in hand.