By Martin Graham
Enzo Maresca has left his position as Chelsea’s head coach with the team fifth in the Premier League table. The 45-year-old departs just months after leading the club to the Club World Cup, which capped a debut campaign that also included a top-four finish and a Conference League title. Chelsea confirmed the decision saying that, with important goals remaining in four competitions, both sides felt a managerial change offered the strongest route to regaining momentum.
Results have fallen sharply, with the Blues picking up just one league win in seven attempts and picking up six points from six games in December. This drop has created a gap of 15 points to leaders Arsenal. However, losing shape is only part of the breakdown. Despite the approval of key figures such as Paul Winstanley, Laurence Stewart and Behdad Eghbali for their initial successes, the alliance deteriorated amid disagreements and communication problems.
Maresca shocked his teammates after a 2-0 win over Everton by revealing that “a lot of people” had made the previous 48 hours their worst at the club. The comments, made without internal discussion, alarmed managers who preferred such disputes to remain within the organization. That moment effectively sealed a split that had been building for months.
Disagreements, image battles and growing distance
The coach hoped to capitalize on his rising profile with outside firms, but met with resistance. His planned book publication was halted and he appeared at Il Festival dello Sport in Italy without official consent. There were also public objections to the decision not to sign a centre-back after Levi Colwill’s injury, although Maresca eventually aligned himself with the board to prevent academy defender Josh Acheampong from considering an exit.
He switched representatives to join Jorge Mendes and has been linked externally with a future at Manchester City, speculation he dismissed. Meanwhile, his gradual shift from club wear to personal wear was noted as another sign of separation. After the Bournemouth match on December 30, assistant Willy Caballero led the media duties, citing illness, although Maresca was believed to be assessing his options. Chelsea’s New Year’s tribute on social media omitted him entirely, further reflecting the rift.
The Italian believed the demands placed on him were unreasonable given the squad’s inexperience and injuries to Colwill and Cole Palmer. He also considered that the limits of the team selection guide had been breached. Although the club initially considered postponing judgment until the end of the season, Maresca’s displeasure hastened the conclusion. Marc Cucurella has publicly thanked his departing coach, praising his confidence and wishing him the best.
Future plans and managerial candidates
Chelsea will meet Manchester City on Sunday without a confirmed figure in the technical area, with training arrangements still unclear. Caballero, who has previously filled in during suspensions, could temporarily oversee first-team duties if he remains in the squad.
Attention has turned to successors. Liam Rosenior, currently impressing for Strasbourg within the same ownership net, is among the options. Co-owner Eghbali had previously spoken to Marseille’s Roberto de Zerbi, while Kieran McKenna and Thomas Frank were interviewed ahead of Maresca’s appointment. Crystal Palace’s Oliver Glasner and Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola are also among the main names in discussion.
