Chelsea have officially announced the departure of manager Enzo Maresca, Afrosport reports.
Maresca leaves on New Year’s Day after serving for just 18 months following his arrival from Leicester City where he won the EFL Championship and Premier League promotion ahead of the 2024-25 season.
During his tenure, Maresca guided Chelsea to ultimate glory in the UEFA Conference League and the FIFA Club World Cup, in addition to securing qualification for this season’s Champions League.
However, his relationship with the club’s upper management has become increasingly tense, and following this week’s draw against Bournemouth, the Italian declined to participate in the post-match media conference.
In a meeting on Thursday that included Maresca, co-owner Behdad Eghbali, and sporting directors Lawrence Stewart and Paul Winstanley, it was mutually decided to part ways.
In a brief statement, Chelsea announced: “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.
“Those achievements will remain an important part of the Club’s recent history, and we thank him for his contributions to the Club. We wish Enzo well for the future.”
Club statement: Enzo Maresca.
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) January 1, 2026
A handful of other managerial candidates are also in the frame, notably Strasbourg boss with Liam Rosenior, with Chelsea hopeful of making an appointment in the next few days.
They will however need an interim manger to take charge ahead of this weekend’s crunch clash with Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.
