Enzo Maresca has left Chelsea, with the club hoping to appoint a new head coach within the coming days, according to reports.
The Italian’s departure follows a dramatic breakdown in his relationship with senior figures at Stamford Bridge, a situation that ultimately rendered his position untenable. Maresca exits after a turbulent run of form, during which Chelsea managed just one win in their last seven Premier League matches.
Chelsea are understood to be working with a small managerial shortlist, with Liam Rosenior emerging as the bookmakers’ favourite. While preparations are under way for Sunday’s Premier League clash away to Manchester City, the club is eager to have a replacement in place imminently. The new manager could even take charge of Wednesday’s London derby against Fulham.
Sources indicate that Bournemouth head coach Andoni Iraola is also under consideration. Former Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi, now at Marseille and previously admired by Chelsea before Maresca’s appointment, is not on the shortlist. Likewise, Cesc Fabregas and John Terry are not believed to be candidates.
The warning signs for Maresca had been evident in recent weeks, particularly following a public outburst in which he described experiencing his “worst 48 hours” despite a win over Everton. The remarks were reportedly linked to serious internal friction with the club’s medical department, stemming from disagreements over injury management and the timing of player returns.
Club officials were said to be deeply unimpressed by those comments, as well as a number of other incidents. These included Maresca skipping a post-match press conference on Tuesday, citing illness — a move the hierarchy reportedly viewed as unprofessional and unfair on assistant Willy Caballero, who was forced to step in. Concerns were also raised over Maresca ignoring medical advice by overplaying recently injured players, along with reports linking him to a possible return to Manchester City, where he previously worked under Pep Guardiola.
Chelsea’s intention is for the incoming manager to continue working within the existing tactical framework, avoiding wholesale changes midway through a season in which the club still sit fifth in the Premier League, despite their recent struggles.
Should a swift appointment not be finalised, Caballero could take temporary charge, although the club is mindful of its duty of care to the coaching staff following Maresca’s departure.
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.
“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.”
Source – Daily Mail
