Chelsea announced on Thursday that they have parted ways with manager Enzo Maresca, just ahead of their match against Manchester City this Sunday.
Maresca’s tenure at Stamford Bridge has concluded after an unsatisfactory run of only one win in seven Premier League matches, leaving the team in fifth place. Reports suggest that the main factor behind his departure was a deteriorating relationship with the club’s management.
The club issued a 99-word statement confirming his exit, choosing not to use the word “sacked.” Instead, it stated that “Enzo and the club believe a change gives the team the best chance of getting the season back on track.”
Concern within the club had reportedly grown regarding Maresca’s behavior, particularly after he was publicly critical of Chelsea’s ownership.
Last month, Maresca described a particularly challenging period as “the worst 48 hours” of his tenure before a 2-0 victory against Everton. While he did not elaborate on the comment, sources indicated it was indicative of a broader dissatisfaction with his working situation, rather than a singular conflict.
Additionally, his remarks surprised members of his own staff, indicating growing tensions within the team.
Chelsea has yet to announce who will lead the team for the crucial match against City, although Willy Caballero is expected to step in, having previously taken charge during Maresca’s suspension.
Looking ahead, sources suggest that Liam Rosenior, currently with the BlueCo-owned Strasbourg, is a potential candidate for the permanent manager position, while Oliver Glasner from Crystal Palace is not in contention.
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Maresca’s final match was a 2-2 draw with Bournemouth on Tuesday, where fans booed the team off the pitch after the game. During that match, Maresca faced criticism from supporters who chanted “You don’t know what you’re doing” when he substituted Cole Palmer. He did not attend the post-match press conference, citing illness as the reason.
Since joining Chelsea in July 2024, Maresca had a successful debut season, securing a spot in the Champions League and winning both the Conference League and the inaugural Club World Cup. His contract was set to continue until 2029, with an option for an additional year.
While there were rumors connecting Maresca to a future role at Manchester City should Pep Guardiola leave, sources at the club have dismissed these as mere speculation, stating there is no current vacancy.
Information from ESPN’s Mark Ogden contributed to this report.