Chelsea Sack Enzo Maresca With Immediate Effect After Turbulent Spell
Chelsea have officially parted company with head coach Enzo Maresca with immediate effect, bringing his spell at Stamford Bridge to an end less than two years after his appointment.
Chelsea have dismissed head coach Enzo Maresca less than two years into his contract following a winless run, despite recent trophy success and a fifth-place Premier League standing.
The decision follows reports from Sky Sports on Thursday that Chelsea’s board were scheduled to hold talks over Maresca’s future amid a poor run of form, with the club failing to win any of their previous three matches. Maresca had been tied to a long-term contract running until 2029.
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In a statement released on Thursday, the club confirmed the Italian’s departure and reflected on his time in charge. Chelsea acknowledged that Maresca guided the team to triumphs in both the UEFA Conference League and the FIFA Club World Cup, achievements the club said would remain an important part of its recent history. The statement also expressed gratitude for his contributions and wished him success in the future.
Chelsea explained that with major objectives still to be fought for across four competitions — including the push for Champions League qualification — both parties felt that a managerial change would give the squad the best opportunity to reset and get the season back on course.
Maresca’s position had appeared strong earlier in the campaign, having been named Premier League Manager of the Month in November. However, doubts intensified after his remarks following a victory over Everton on December 13, when he described the previous 48 hours as the worst period since his arrival, citing a lack of support from many quarters.
Subsequently, The Athletic reported that Maresca was among the leading candidates Manchester City could consider should Pep Guardiola leave the Etihad Stadium next summer. Guardiola remains under contract until 2027, and City have made clear there is currently no vacancy.
Sources familiar with the situation, speaking without authorization, indicated that Maresca had informed Chelsea on two occasions — in late October and again in mid-December — that he had been in discussions with individuals linked to Manchester City regarding a potential future opening. These disclosures were in line with his contractual obligations when engaging in talks connected to other clubs.
Chelsea are due to face Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, and it is still unclear who will be in the dugout for the Blues following Maresca’s exit.
Liam Rosenior, who has impressed during his time at fellow BlueCo-owned club Strasbourg, is expected to be among the names under consideration to succeed Maresca. However, Crystal Palace head coach Oliver Glasner is not thought to be a candidate.
Matters came to a head after Tuesday night’s draw with Bournemouth, Chelsea’s third consecutive match without a win. The result was met with boos from supporters at full-time at Stamford Bridge, directed at both the team and the departing manager.
Despite the managerial change, Chelsea remain committed to the strategic approach introduced after the club’s 2022 takeover by the Clearlake Capital–Todd Boehly consortium. The next head coach is expected to align with that vision while quickly restoring stability and improving performances.
Maresca was appointed in June 2024, becoming Chelsea’s sixth manager since Roman Abramovich sold the club. He arrived after leading Leicester City to the Championship title and securing automatic promotion to the Premier League at the first attempt.
During his debut season in west London, Maresca delivered silverware by winning the Conference League and the expanded Club World Cup.
Chelsea currently sit fifth in the Premier League table, 15 points adrift of leaders Arsenal and just five points ahead of 14th-placed Brighton & Hove Albion.
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