Chelsea confirm Enzo Maresca exit amid poor Premier League run
Chelsea confirmed on Thursday that they have parted ways with manager Enzo Maresca ahead of Sunday’s match against Manchester City.
Maresca’s 18-month stay at Stamford Bridge comes to an end after a run of one win in seven Premier League matches left his side fifth in the table, although sources have told ESPN the main reason for his departure was a breakdown in relations with the club’s hierarchy.
His departure was confirmed in a 99-word statement following discussions over his future.
Chelsea’s official wording does not say that Maresca was sacked, but rather that “Enzo and the club believe a change gives the team the best chance of getting the season back on track.”
Sources said the club’s hierarchy had become concerned about Maresca’s behavior, with the 45-year-old becoming increasingly public with his displays of dissent towards Chelsea ownership.
Maresca claimed last month he had experienced “the worst 48 hours” of his time at the club in the build-up to a 2-0 win over Everton.
Maresca has repeatedly refused to explain the outburst, but sources told ESPN it reflected growing unease over his working conditions, as opposed to a one-off crisis behind the scenes.
Sources also said Maresca’s public comments surprised members of his own staff.
Chelsea have not confirmed who will be in the dugout for Sunday’s key clash against City, although Willy Caballero is likely to lead the team after replacing Maresca amid a Premier League suspension.
In the long term, sources have told ESPN that Liam Rosenior, head of Strasbourg’s BlueCo, is a suitor – while Crystal Palace’s Oliver Glasner is not in the running.
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Maresca’s last game was a 2-2 draw against AFC Bournemouth on Tuesday, when they were booed at Stamford Bridge after the final whistle. Maresca faced chants of “You don’t know what you’re doing” from fans when she opted to replace Cole Palmer.
He also did not appear at his post-match press conference. The official explanation given at the time was that Maresca was “ill”.
Maresca, who joined Chelsea in July 2024, guided the club to the Champions League in his first season by finishing fourth in the Premier League, as well as winning the Conference League title and the inaugural Club World Cup.
His contract was due to last until 2029, with the club holding an option for a further year.
Sources have told ESPN that despite reports linking Maresca to Manchester City in the event of Pep Guardiola’s departure as manager, the club view the links as nothing more than speculation as they have no vacancies to fill.
Information from ESPN’s Mark Ogden was used in this report.
