BREAKING: Chelsea part ways with Enzo Maresca

Chelsea have confirmed the departure of Enzo Maresca as manager, with the club sitting fifth in the Premier League and struggling for form.

Maresca, 45, exits less than six months after lifting the Club World Cup at the end of his first season at Stamford Bridge.

The Blues have managed only one win in their past seven league matches and collected six points from six games in December, slipping 15 points behind leaders Arsenal.

In a statement, the club 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.

Man City links ‘100% speculation’ — Maresca

“Those achievements will remain an important part of the Club’s recent history, and we thank him for his contributions to the Club.”

The statement added that with key objectives still to play for across four competitions, including qualification for Champions League football, both parties felt change was needed to get the season back on track.

Inside the club, Maresca’s arrival had initially impressed senior figures, including sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart, and co-owner Behdad Eghbali. Chelsea had regarded its top-four finish and double trophy success last year as a sign of momentum.

However, tensions began to surface. After Chelsea’s single December league win — a 2-0 victory over Everton — Maresca publicly described the following 48 hours as his “worst” at the club, surprising senior officials and staff who had not been briefed before the comments were made.

Maresca also explored media and public opportunities outside the club, including plans to publish a book, which were halted.

He later attended Il Festival dello Sport without permission, a move that caused further concern internally.

Maresca also voiced disagreement over the club’s failure to sign a central defender after Levi Colwill suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury in pre-season.

The board explained that bringing in a new signing could risk pushing academy prospect Josh Acheampong to leave, prompting Maresca to step back from the stance.

He later switched agents from Wasserman to Jorge Mendes and was even floated externally as a possible successor to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, speculation he dismissed.

Within the club, it was also observed that he moved away from wearing Chelsea tracksuits on matchdays, preferring personal attire, a sign some interpreted as a disconnect.

Following a 2-2 draw with Bournemouth on December 30, Maresca did not attend post-match media duties. Assistant manager Willy Caballero said he was unwell, but sources suggested he was disillusioned with the environment.

Observers also noted Maresca’s absence from the club’s 52-second end-of-year video released on social media on New Year’s Eve, sparking speculation that relations had broken down.

Maresca felt the pressure placed on him was unfair, pointing to what he believed were difficult working conditions and attempts to influence his team selection.

He also said supporters’ expectations needed to reflect the challenges of working with a young squad, particularly with injuries to Colwill and Cole Palmer.

Chelsea had initially planned to evaluate his position at the end of the season if results improved, but Maresca’s dissatisfaction accelerated the decision to separate.

Chelsea’s next match is away to second-placed Manchester City on Sunday, opening a demanding run that also includes clashes with Arsenal and Napoli.