Enzo Maresca has left his position as Chelsea head coach with immediate effect, bringing an abrupt end to his tenure at Stamford Bridge after escalating tensions with the club’s hierarchy.
The Italian, who guided Chelsea to Champions League qualification, the UEFA Conference League title, and the Club World Cup in his debut season, saw his relationship with the owners deteriorate rapidly in recent days.
Reliable transfer expert Fabrizio Romano broke the news on New Year’s Day, stating:
“Breaking: Enzo Maresca Leaves Chelsea With Immediate Effect
Official statement to follow but all done after tension growing last 24/48h as revealed, relationship broken.
Chelsea will now start working on a new manager appointment and it won’t take long, club’s on it.”
The departure comes amid a poor run of form, with Chelsea winning just one of their last seven Premier League matches, leaving them fifth in the table but closer to mid-table than the top spots. Fans booed Maresca during and after a 2-2 draw with Bournemouth on Tuesday, and reports indicate a complete breakdown in trust between the 45-year-old and the Todd Boehly-Clearlake Capital ownership group.
Sources suggest Maresca felt unsupported in key areas, including recruitment and strategic decision-making, while the club grew frustrated with recent results and public comments perceived as critical of the board. Speculation linking Maresca to a future role at Manchester City, should Pep Guardiola depart, may have further strained relations.
Chelsea are expected to move swiftly in appointing a successor, with Strasbourg manager Liam Rosenior—an impressive figure at the club’s sister side—emerging as an early contender. An official club statement is anticipated shortly.
Maresca’s exit marks the latest managerial change under the current ownership, who have now overseen multiple head coaches since their 2022 takeover. The Blues face a pivotal January, with tough fixtures ahead, as they seek stability in a season that promised progression but has delivered inconsistency.