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Enzo Maresca has officially left his position as Chelsea head coach after just 18 months in charge, bringing an abrupt end to a tenure marked by early promise and growing tension. The Premier League club confirmed the decision on Thursday, making it clear that both parties agreed to part ways as the season enters a decisive phase.
“Chelsea Football Club and head coach Enzo Maresca have parted company,” said a club statement.
Maresca departs Stamford Bridge with Chelsea sitting fifth in the Premier League table, 15 points behind leaders and London rivals Arsenal. The team’s recent form played a significant role in the decision, with just one win recorded in their last seven league matches. That poor run intensified scrutiny around the Italian coach and fueled speculation about his future at the club.
Chelsea’s struggles were not limited to results alone. Reports of a strained relationship between Maresca and the club’s hierarchy had circulated for weeks, suggesting deeper issues behind the scenes. The club acknowledged the challenges ahead and framed the decision as a strategic reset rather than a reactionary move.
“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,” said the club statement.
The announcement followed a chaotic 2-2 draw with Bournemouth on Tuesday, a match that further highlighted Chelsea’s ongoing issues. Maresca did not attend the post-match press conference, with his absence attributed to illness. During that game, his decision to substitute Cole Palmer shortly after the hour mark drew loud boos from supporters, signaling growing frustration in the stands.
The draw also extended a worrying trend. Chelsea have now dropped 13 points at home from winning positions this season, accounting for most of the gap between them and Arsenal at the top of the table.
What led to the breakdown between Maresca and Chelsea?
Maresca’s relationship with the club had come under strain well before his departure. He previously stood by comments made on December 13 after a league win against Everton, when he said many people at Chelsea “didn’t support the team and me”. Although he repeatedly declined to clarify the remarks, he insisted they were not directed at supporters.
The 45-year-old later described the period leading up to that 2-0 victory as “the worst 48 hours” of his time at Chelsea. Those comments, combined with inconsistent performances, added to the sense that his position had become increasingly untenable.
This marked a sharp contrast from earlier in the season when Maresca’s reputation at the club was strong. Chelsea’s emphatic 3-0 Champions League win over Barcelona in November was seen as a statement result and raised expectations around his project. However, damaging defeats to Leeds, Atalanta, and Aston Villa soon followed, rapidly shifting the mood around the team.
Despite the pressure, Maresca’s long term future had appeared secure on paper. His contract was set to run until the summer of 2029, with the club holding an option for an additional year. He had been appointed in June 2024 as the successor to Mauricio Pochettino and was tasked with restoring stability and competitiveness.
During his tenure, Chelsea won the Europa Conference League and the Club World Cup in 2025. Maresca also guided the club back into the Champions League through a fourth-place Premier League finish, achievements that made his exit all the more notable.
Who could replace Maresca at Stamford Bridge?
Chelsea now face a demanding schedule, starting with an away trip to Manchester City on Sunday. That match begins a run of nine fixtures across four competitions during a congested January period, increasing the urgency around appointing a successor.
Liam Rosenior, currently head coach of French side Strasbourg, is one of the candidates under consideration. Strasbourg are owned by BlueCo, the same consortium that controls Chelsea and is led by US billionaire Todd Boehly. Although Rosenior is only 41 and lacks Premier League experience, his connection to the ownership group places him firmly in the conversation.
Other names linked with the role include former Barcelona head coach Xavi, Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner, Fulham’s Marco Silva, and Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola. Each presents a different profile, reflecting Chelsea’s ongoing search for both immediate results and long-term direction.
Maresca’s departure closes a chapter defined by ambition, silverware, and internal tension. As Chelsea prepares for a critical stretch of the season, attention now turns to who will take charge next and whether the club can regain momentum both on and off the pitch.
By Yockshard Enyendi
