Chelsea are beginning the new year on the lookout for new manager after it was announced that Enzo Maresca has left.
Speculation over Maresca’s future has intensified in recent days, following some cryptic press conferences and interviews from the Italian.
And soon after midday on New Year’s Day, his fate was confirmed after he decided to leave – a decision that is seen as a mutual decision, although it understood Maresca felt his position was untenable.
Despite being agreed by both parties, it will raise some eyebrows considering the 45-year-old guided the Blues to Club World Cup glory in his first season in charge in July.
Chelsea statement on Enzo Maresca
In a statement, Chelsea thanked Maresca for his services but noted that they believe the decision will help the club get ‘back on track’.
‘Chelsea Football Club and head coach Enzo Maresca have parted company,’ it began.
‘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.’
Chelsea have won just one of their last seven Premier League matches. Their 2-2 draw at home to Bournemouth on Tuesday night meant they took only six points from a possible 18 in December to fall 15 points behind league leaders Arsenal.
Maresca only joined Chelsea in the summer of 2024, signing a five-year contract at Stamford Bridge. As well as his Club World Cup triumph, he also led the west London outfit to Europa Conference League glory.
However, many reports have circulated in a strained relationship with the Chelsea hierarchy – with the Italian also linked as a potential successor to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, which Maresca has dismissed.
Who will succeed Enzo Maresca at Chelsea?
The Blues travel to Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday next with no standout candidate at present to replace him.
Strasbourg manager Liam Rosenior is among the contenders – owning to the French outfit’s multi-club ownership structure with Chelsea.
The likes of Crystal Palace’s Oliver Glasner, Como’s Cesc Fabregas, Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola or Marseille’s Roberto De Zerbi are unlikely to be pursued.
