Enzo Maresca leaves Chelsea as manager’s contract ripped up after relationship breakdown

Chelsea have parted company with Enzo Maresca after less than two years into his contract with the Blues sitting fifth in the Premier League

Chelsea have parted company with Enzo Maresca after less than two years into his reign. The Italian, who only took up tenure at Stamford Bridge in the summer of 2024, saw the pressure ramp up as a result of managing the Blues to just one win from their last seven top-flight matches.

The most recent upset saw Chelsea held to a 2-2 draw by Bournemouth on Tuesday night, while Moises Caicedo was shown a yellow card in that game that will see him miss Sunday’s pivotal showdown with Manchester City.

Meanwhile, bizarre comments lambasting the club’s hierarchy earlier this month indicated a breakdown in the relationship with the higher-ups, with the club confirming they decided it was best to part ways.

A decision was made on New Year’s Day, with Chelsea becoming the latest Premier League club to make a managerial change, leaving BlueCo scrambling to appoint a fitting successor after Maresca left the club.

In a statement, Chelsea said: “Chelsea Football Club and Head Coach Enzo Maresca have parted company.

“During his time at the Club, Enzo led the team to success in the UEFA Conference League and the FIFA Club World Cup. Those achievements will remain an important part of the Club’s recent history, and we thank him for his contributions to the Club.

“With key objectives still to play for across four competitions including qualification for Champions League football, Enzo and the Club believe a change gives the team the best chance of getting the season back on track.

“We wish Enzo well for the future.”

Speaking after a 2-0 win over Everton last month, Maresca said: “Since I joined the club, the last 48 hours have been the worst because many people didn’t support us.”

When asked to expand on his comments, Maresca replied: “Worst 48 hours since I joined the club, because people didn’t support me and the team,” doubling down on his upset, before clarifying: “In general,” when asked specifically if he meant people internally at the club.

The Italian was booed after the draw against Bournemouth and assistant coach Willy Caballero took over post-match media duties after it was said that he felt too unwell to speak.

Chelsea sit fifth in the Premier League table, just three points off the top four with Liverpool, who the Blues overcame earlier in the season, sitting in the final Champions League positions.

City kick off a hectic run for the Stamford Bridge club with Chelsea looking to find a new manager sandwiched in a period of five matches in 13 days.

Chelsea face trips to Fulham and Charlton after their visit to Pep Guardiola’s side before back-to-back home games against Arsenal, in the Carabao Cup, and Brentford.

According to The Athletic, former Hull City boss Liam Rosenior is a contender after impressing at Strasbourg, who are under the Blues’ ownership model. Cesc Fabregas, Andoni Iraola, Oliver Glasner and Xavi have also been mentioned as early frontrunners for the job.