Enzo Maresca has put up a first official statement since parting ways with Chelsea FC last week. The exit was announced with a simple social media post by the London club, but had a huge groundswell of reports claiming a breakdown of the relationship between the Italian coach and the ownership.
In a just-under-two-years reign, Maresca led Chelsea to the Conference League and the Club World Cup, while helping them get back to the Champions League. Before his departure, they were placed fifth in the Premier League and alive in all of the three other competitions, though enduring a dip in recent form.
“Leave this world a little better than you found it,” Maresca started his statement on Instagram, which was also translated in Italian.
“My journey
with Chelsea began with the preliminary rounds of the Conference League. I leave with the inner peace of leaving a prestigious club like Chelsea where it deserves to be. I want to thank all the Chelsea fans for their support over the last 18 months. Support that was crucial to achieving Champions League qualification, winning the Conference League, and winning the Club World Cup.
“Victories that I will always hold in my heart! A special thank you to all the players who have accompanied me on this wonderful journey. I wish everyone who has shared every moment with me every success in this second half of the season and in the future. Thank you, CHELSEA 💙 from me and my family,” he said.
His statement came close to Chelsea’s announcement appointing Liam Rosenior as the new head coach on a six-and-a-half-year deal. Rosenior previously coached French club Strasbourg, owned by the same BlueCo that takes care of Chelsea.
Chelsea visit London rivals Fulham on Thursday, but Rosenior would take charge from Sunday against Charlton Athletic F.C. in the FA Cup fourth round.
