talian Departs After 18 Months as Club Moves Quickly to Salvage Season; Rosenior a Leading Contender to Replace Him
Chelsea have abruptly parted company with head coach Enzo Maresca after a breakdown in his relationship with the club’s board, ending his 18-month tenure at Stamford Bridge.
The decision, confirmed by the club on Thursday, comes despite recent successes under the Italian, including victories in the UEFA Conference League and the FIFA Club World Cup.
In a statement, Chelsea acknowledged those achievements but stated both parties believed a change was necessary “to give the team the best chance of getting the season back on track.”
While tactical decisions during matches were a point of contention, sources indicate the primary rift stemmed from Maresca’s conduct away from the pitch. Tensions had been simmering since early December, when the 45-year-old made cryptic remarks about experiencing his “worst 48 hours” at the club.
Maresca is understood to have said his goodbyes to the playing squad on Thursday morning. The team, currently fifth in the Premier League with just one win in their last seven matches, faces a daunting trip to Manchester City on Sunday.
Chelsea now face a rushed search for a successor. Liam Rosenior, currently in charge of the club’s partner side Strasbourg, has emerged as a leading contender. The club hopes to make a permanent appointment within days but may be forced to install an interim manager for the crucial clash at the Etihad Stadium.
“We wish Enzo well for the future,” the club’s statement concluded, closing a short but turbulent chapter for the former Leicester City manager.
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