By Martin Graham
Disagreements, image battles and growing distanceFuture plans and managerial candidates
Enzo Maresca has exited his position as Chelsea’s head coach with the side placed fifth in the Premier League table. The 45-year-old departs just months after leading the club to the Club World Cup, which capped a debut campaign that also included a top-four finish and a Conference League title. Chelsea confirmed the decision by stating that, with important goals remaining across four competitions, both parties felt a managerial switch offered the strongest route to recover momentum.
Results have dipped sharply, with the Blues securing only one league victory in seven attempts and collecting six points from six December fixtures. That downturn has created a 15-point gap behind leaders Arsenal. However, the loss of form only forms part of the breakdown. Despite approval from key figures such as Paul Winstanley, Laurence Stewart, and Behdad Eghbali for his initial accomplishments, the alliance deteriorated amid disagreements and communication issues.
Maresca shocked colleagues following a 2-0 triumph over Everton by revealing “many people” had made the preceding 48 hours his worst at the club. The comments, delivered without internal discussion, alarmed executives who preferred those disputes to remain inside the organisation. That moment effectively sealed a split that had been building for months.
Disagreements, image battles and growing distance
The coach hoped to capitalise on his rising profile with outside ventures but encountered resistance. His intended book publication was halted, and he appeared at Il Festival dello Sport in Italy without official consent. There were also public objections to the decision not to recruit a central defender after Levi Colwill’s injury, although Maresca ultimately aligned with the board to avoid prompting academy defender Josh Acheampong to consider an exit.
He changed representatives to join Jorge Mendes and has been linked externally to Manchester City’s future, speculation he dismissed. Meanwhile, his gradual move away from club attire to personal clothing was noted as another sign of separation. Following the Bournemouth match on 30 December, assistant Willy Caballero fronted media duties, citing illness, though Maresca was believed to be evaluating his options. Chelsea’s year-end social media tribute omitted him entirely, further reflecting the fracture.
The Italian believed demands placed upon him were unreasonable given squad inexperience and injuries to Colwill and Cole Palmer. He also felt the boundaries over team selection guidance had been breached. Though the club initially considered postponing judgment until season’s end, Maresca’s discontent hastened the conclusion. Marc Cucurella publicly thanked his departing manager, praising his trust and wishing him well.
Future plans and managerial candidates
Chelsea are due to meet Manchester City on Sunday without a confirmed figure in the technical area, and training arrangements remain unclear. Caballero, who has previously deputised during suspensions, could temporarily oversee first-team duties if he stays on staff.
Attention has turned to successors. Liam Rosenior, currently impressing at Strasbourg within the same ownership network, stands among the options. Co-owner Eghbali had previously spoken with Marseille’s Roberto de Zerbi, while Kieran McKenna and Thomas Frank were interviewed before Maresca’s appointment. Crystal Palace’s Oliver Glasner and Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola also feature among leading names under discussion.
Martin Graham is an MFF sports writer
