Enzo Maresca’s unexpected departure from Chelsea has raised eyebrows following revelations that he had engaged in discussions with individuals linked to Manchester City about the possibility of replacing Pep Guardiola as head coach. The Italian’s exit confirms underlying tensions that had been brewing between him and the club’s board, a situation that had become increasingly apparent over the past month.
Maresca, who had a tumultuous relationship with the club, seems to have been seeking an exit strategy prior to the confirmation of his departure early on Thursday. His coaching decisions during matches came under scrutiny, but it was his off-field conduct that escalated concerns. Deepening the mystery, Maresca made cryptic remarks about experiencing his “worst 48 hours” at the club right after Chelsea’s victory against Everton on December 13. It has since surfaced that Maresca mentioned in late October and again following the Everton game that he had entertained thoughts of succeeding Guardiola, who has been a prominent figure since last season.
After 18 months at the helm, Maresca bid farewell to players and staff on Thursday. Chelsea currently sits in fifth place in the Premier League, struggling with form after securing only one victory in their last seven matches, and will face Manchester City this Sunday. Liam Rosenior, who is currently managing Strasbourg—Chelsea’s partner club—has emerged as a leading candidate to succeed Maresca.
A club statement conveyed gratitude to Maresca for his successes, including a Uefa Conference League title and a FIFA Club World Cup win, while also acknowledging the need for change to enhance their chances of achieving key objectives throughout the remainder of the season.
Maresca’s tenure faced turbulence, particularly following a 2-2 draw against Bournemouth, where he was met with boos from home supporters. His discontent with certain club dynamics became public when he claimed that “many people” had not supported him, leading to speculation about his feelings regarding his role and the project at Chelsea.
Increased scrutiny arose as Maresca pushed for more autonomy over player management and rotation strategies, a point of contention given Chelsea’s strict medical protocols aimed at safeguarding players with injury histories like Reece James and Cole Palmer. Despite acknowledging the data from the medical department, Maresca frequently faced backlash for results linked to his decisions, particularly following significant losses against teams like Leeds and Atalanta.
Compounding the situation, Maresca’s reluctance to clarify his grievances and a perceived disconnect with club directives led to growing unrest within the squad. Chelsea had hoped to evaluate his position at season’s end but ultimately decided to act sooner.
As the club searches for a fifth permanent head coach since Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital acquired Chelsea in May 2022, several options are on the table, including Porto’s Francesco Farioli. In the meantime, Chelsea may need an interim manager to navigate the upcoming fixture against Manchester City while assessing potential replacements. Despite the challenges facing the club, this moment presents an opportunity for Chelsea to regain their footing and spark a turnaround in performance.