Inside Enzo Maresca sacking as Chelsea feelings laid bare after bombshell exit | Football | Sport

“Since I joined the club, the last 48 hours have been the worst because many people didn’t support us.”

It seemed like the beginning of the end at that moment, 19 days ago, with Enzo Maresca appearing to be living on borrowed time. His rapport with the club became strained after Chelsea bosses were left bewildered by the Italian’s remarks following the victory against Everton on December 13. Some officials were kept in the dark about his meaning, whilst others were baffled as to why he aired his grievances publicly to journalists.

Since that moment, Maresca hasn’t been the same person, at least not when dealing with the press.

The Italian had previously maintained a solid relationship with reporters, though he was always careful not to reveal too much, but even that appeared to deteriorate.

Following his initial outburst, he seemed unwilling to provide any further material for journalists to report on. Yet the questions persisted due to the significance of his post-Everton revelation.

At the close of November, Chelsea appeared to be in an encouraging position, sitting third in the Premier League with whispers of a potential title bid, though club insiders were swift to dismiss such talk.

A demolition of Barcelona followed in what will be remembered as one of Stamford Bridge’s greatest ever nights.

Only one league victory came in December, but it wasn’t merely results that intensified the pressure on Maresca. It was those notorious remarks that created difficulties for himself.

During Chelsea’s draw with Bournemouth, there were signs that supporters were beginning to lose patience.

The home crowd jeered Maresca’s choice to substitute Cole Palmer after 63 minutes, with some shouting “you don’t know what you’re doing”, despite the Italian’s attempt to safeguard the 23-year-old, whose minutes are being carefully monitored due to a complex groin problem.

Yet just two weeks after Maresca had been praised by the travelling supporters in Cardiff following his “worst 48 hour” remarks, the head coach found himself facing intense scrutiny.

Co-owner Behdad Eghbali, alongside sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart, made their way across the Stamford Bridge turf shortly after the final whistle against Bournemouth for their customary discussion with Maresca.

Whilst this wasn’t out of the ordinary – it’s standard practice under BlueCo – these meetings are part of the circumstances widely thought to have contributed to Maresca’s growing discontent.

That proved to be Maresca’s final debrief in charge.

The following day, he and his advisors entered discussions with Chelsea regarding his future at the club, a position considered unsustainable following recent developments.

Chelsea’s hunt for their next head coach has now commenced, with Liam Rosenior emerging as an early contender given his connections to BlueCo-owned Strasbourg.