Chelsea Football Club has announced the departure of head coach Enzo Maresca after 18 months in charge at Stamford Bridge, ending a turbulent spell that combined silverware success with recent struggles in the Premier League.
Enzo Maresca
The Italian leaves the Blues positioned fifth in the league table, 15 points adrift of leaders Arsenal, following a run of just one win in their last seven top-flight matches.
His final game was Tuesday’s 2-2 draw at home to Bournemouth, where he declined to attend the post-match press conference, with the club attributing his absence to illness.
In a statement, Chelsea expressed gratitude for Maresca’s contributions, highlighting his role in guiding the team to victory 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,” the statement read.
“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.”
Maresca’s tenure was marked by flashes of promise, particularly in Europe, but reports of tension behind the scenes and inconsistent domestic form ultimately undermined his position. Chelsea are expected to announce a new head coach within days as the club seeks to stabilize its campaign.
The Blues return to action on Sunday with a daunting trip to Manchester City, the first of nine fixtures across four competitions in a packed January schedule.
The club’s hierarchy is under pressure to ensure a swift appointment that can galvanize the squad and reignite their push for Champions League qualification.
Maresca, 46, joined Chelsea in mid-2024 and quickly endeared himself to supporters with his tactical approach and early success in continental competition.
However, the Premier League proved less forgiving, with Chelsea’s inconsistency leaving them outside the title race and vulnerable in the battle for top-four places.
Chelsea fans will now await the board’s next move, as the club enters another chapter in its managerial merry-go-round, hoping for stability and renewed momentum in the months ahead.
