Chelsea Part Ways With Maresca After Decline in League Form

Chelsea Football Club and head coach Enzo Maresca have agreed to part ways, with the Italian leaving his role at Stamford Bridge with immediate effect after a turbulent period marked by poor results and a reported breakdown in relations with the club’s hierarchy.

The departure was confirmed on Thursday, following reports that both parties had reached a mutual decision to end the partnership as Chelsea seek to reset their season.

Chelsea’s announcement comes after a challenging run of form in the Premier League, where the club managed only one win in their previous seven league matches, leaving them outside the top four and 15 points behind league leaders.

Reports indicated increasing tension behind the scenes after several draws and inconsistent performances, and internal discussions were held in recent days as Maresca’s future became a focal point for the club’s leadership.

Maresca’s tenure at Chelsea lasted 18 months, during which he led the club to UEFA Conference League and FIFA Club World Cup titles, notable achievements amid heightened expectations from supporters and the board.

Despite these successes, the recent dip in results and reports of strained communications with executives and staff accelerated the decision to move on, with Chelsea aiming to regain momentum across domestic and European competitions.

The move opens the door for Chelsea to begin the process of appointing a new head coach, with football sources naming Liam Rosenior among the leading candidates to take over the first-team role in the coming days.

The club faces a busy schedule, including Premier League fixtures and cup ties, and will need to stabilise quickly as the January transfer window opens.