Premier League outfit Chelsea decided to part ways with head coach Enzo Maresca on Thursday on the back of some testing recent results and a breakdown of communication and understanding between the board
and the gaffer.
Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella took to the social media platform X, formerly Twitter, to express his gratitude to the Italian and wish him well on his journey ahead.
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“Thank you for everything, mister, and to your staff. For the work and the trust from day one, and for the memories,” the full-back said.
“Wishing you all the best in what comes next. Good luck, boss,” the Spaniard added.
The Italian’s departure from Stamford Bridge occurs with the club positioned fifth in the Premier League table, 15 points behind leaders and London rivals Arsenal, having secured only one win in their last seven top-flight matches.
Speculation regarding Maresca’s future grew during Chelsea’s recent poor performance, with reports suggesting a deteriorating relationship between the coach and the club’s hierarchy.
“Chelsea Football Club and head coach Enzo Maresca have parted company,” said a club statement.
“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,” said the club statement.
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Maresca did not attend the post-match press conference following a frantic 2-2 draw with Bournemouth on Tuesday, with his absence attributed to illness.
Maresca’s decision to substitute Cole Palmer just after the hour mark during the Bournemouth game was met with boos from Chelsea fans.
The draw meant Chelsea had dropped 13 points at home from winning positions this season, contributing significantly to the 15-point gap between the Blues and Arsenal.
Maresca has stood by comments made on December 13 after a league win at home to Everton when he stated that many people at Chelsea “didn’t support me and the team”.
He repeatedly declined to clarify these comments, though he insisted they were not an attack on the club’s supporters.
The 45-year-old described the days leading up to the 2-0 victory over Everton as “the worst 48 hours” of his time at Chelsea.
Maresca’s reputation at Chelsea was high after the Blues defeated Barcelona 3-0 in the Champions League in November. However, damaging defeats by Leeds, Atalanta, and Villa increased the pressure on the Blues boss.
Maresca’s contract was set to run until the summer of 2029, with a club option for an additional year. The former Leicester manager was appointed as Mauricio Pochettino’s successor in June 2024.
Chelsea won the Europa Conference League and the Club World Cup in 2025, and Maresca also led them back into the Champions League with a fourth-place finish in the Premier League.
The Blues return to action on Sunday away to Manchester City, the first of nine fixtures across four competitions during a congested January schedule.
