Chelsea Part Ways With Enzo Maresca After Difficult 2025 Ending

Chelsea have parted ways with head coach Enzo Maresca after a difficult close to 2025, despite recent silverware. The Italian leaves with the club in fifth place in the Premier League and under scrutiny following a poor sequence of results across domestic and European competitions.

The Blues have collected only two wins from their last nine matches in all competitions, losing momentum after a strong start. Chelsea now sit 15 points behind leaders Arsenal after 19 league games, and the team have surrendered 15 points from winning positions in 2025-26, the highest figure in the division.

A Thursday announcement confirmed Maresca’s exit, with the club stressing mutual agreement over the timing. 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 Conference League and the Club World Cup. Those achievements will remain an important part of the clubs 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. "

No immediate announcement followed regarding who will manage Chelsea against Manchester City on Sunday, a crucial fixture in the race for Champions League places. The change comes while the team remain active in four competitions and still target a top-four Premier League finish.

Nine games in the first month of 2026! pic.twitter.com/puHPNUIHhPChelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) January 1, 2026

Reports in England suggest Maresca’s relationship with senior Chelsea figures had deteriorated in recent weeks. That tension appeared public before the 2-0 win over Everton on December 13, when Maresca described the preparation period as "the worst 48 hours since he joined. " The coach declined to explain those remarks or identify any individuals.

The 45-year-old also stated that Maresca would "absolutely be at Stamford Bridge next season. " That declaration soon looked fragile, as results dipped and pressure increased. Maresca then missed post-match media duties after the dramatic 2-2 home draw with Bournemouth on Tuesday, with Chelsea explaining the absence as illness.

Chelsea success under Enzo Maresca and potential Chelsea successor

Maresca’s departure comes less than a year after leading Chelsea to the Conference League title and the Club World Cup, while also delivering Champions League qualification. Those trophies had boosted expectations among supporters and the ownership group, who now turn attention to the next appointment.

Early indications from England link Liam Rosenior with the Chelsea role, following positive reviews for Rosenior’s work at Strasbourg. The French club are controlled by the same ownership group as Chelsea, which could ease negotiations if the London side decide to pursue that option.

Chelsea now face a demanding January schedule, with nine matches already confirmed for the first month of 2026 and objectives still alive on multiple fronts. The new head coach will inherit a squad that has shown cup pedigree but inconsistent league form, and must quickly stabilise results to protect Champions League hopes.