Chelsea confirm Enzo Maresca exit following internal breakdown
Chelsea have officially confirmed that Enzo Maresca has stepped down from his position at the club, with reports suggesting his role as head coach had become impossible to sustain.
Speculation had grown in recent days that Maresca’s relationship with the club had completely deteriorated, leading Chelsea to begin the search for their seventh manager since 2022.
“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,” Chelsea said in a statement.
“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’s form has dipped in recent weeks, with the team recording just one win in their last seven Premier League matches. Across all competitions in December, the Blues suffered three defeats from eight outings.
It is understood that comments made by Maresca following a mid month victory over Everton caused frustration within the club’s hierarchy. The Italian had claimed he endured the “worst 48 hours” of his spell at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea’s most recent fixture ended in a 2 2 draw with Bournemouth on Tuesday, a match after which Maresca did not address the media. While assistant coach Willy Caballero said the manager was unwell, other sources suggested he chose to skip the press conference while reflecting on his future.
Supporters voiced their displeasure during the Bournemouth game when Maresca substituted star midfielder Cole Palmer shortly after the hour mark. Chants of “You don’t know what you’re doing” were directed at the 45 year old, who joined the club at the start of last season.
Despite the difficult ending, Maresca guided Chelsea to victories in the UEFA Conference League and the FIFA Club World Cup, along with a top four league finish last season. The Blues currently sit fifth in the Premier League, 15 points behind leaders Arsenal.
Chelsea face Manchester City on Sunday in a high profile clash, which will be the first of nine matches scheduled for the club in January.
