Enzo Maresca leaves Chelsea in bombshell development as statement released | Football | Sport

Enzo Maresca has officially left his role as Chelsea manager with immediate effect. It comes after the Blues staged an emergency meeting to discuss the Italian’s future following a run of one victory in their last seven Premier League games. His position was ultimately deemed untenable, according to The Athletic, leading to his exit from Stamford Bridge.

It leaves Chelsea without a permanent manager ahead of their upcoming game against Manchester City. They are expected to appoint a new boss in due course, with Strasbourg head coach Liam Rosenior believed to be among the frontrunners. Chelsea confirmed Maresca’s exit in a statement on Thursday afternoon, explaining they felt it was time for a change.

The statement read: “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.

“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. We wish Enzo well for the future.”

Chelsea were held to a draw by Bournemouth in what proved to be Maresca’s final game in charge earlier this week. He was notably absent from the post-match press conference, with assistant coach Willy Caballero stepping in.

He explained: “Enzo isn’t feeling well. He didn’t feel well the last two days but still made training and made the game today.

“I took his position just to clarify that he isn’t feeling well enough to do the rest of the stuff that the manager has to do, so I’m here instead.”

Maresca joined Chelsea in the summer of 2024, leaving his role at Leicester City to take over at Stamford Bridge. He guided the Blues into the Premier League’s top five in his debut season while also achieving Conference League glory.

Things got even better for Chelsea during the summer as they won the revamped Club World Cup, allowing themselves to be known as world champions for the next four years.

They are currently fifth in the Premier League table with a 15-point gap to leaders and title favourites Arsenal. It remains to be seen how Maresca’s bombshell departure will impact the club’s January transfer plans.